You have to find the right balance between making attractive offers to buy deals and protecting your investment.When I purchased my first 4-plex, I saw 3 out of 4 units prior to making an offer.

An LLC is more about protecting your other assets legally if an issue arises.

If you go with a straight loan, it's going to be expensive in points but protect your equity.

Most contractors will take the appropriate measures to protect the materials on site and the only project that may be effected by snow would be replacing a roof.

Yes, it offers you some protections. 

This will provide similar protection without the operational hassle's of an LLC.

I don’t plan on transferring these properties to an LLC for at least another year so I need the additional liability coverage to protect myself.

You could even add an umbrella policy if you wanted even more protection.

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it.We have a 12 page management contract that we've added our real experiences to over the years, with the intent of protecting both us AND the landlord.

Along those lines, diversifying your real estate portfolio geographically may offer you similar protection from swings in the market.