One thing about the areas that you're looking at is that there are some very strong, sophisticated players that you'll be going up against.

But with zero financing in place to start how do they equally protect their interest? 

The protected classes are easily remember by FRESHCORN.

The buyer can include a protection clause just in case the property has to be sold in response to a life changing event, job relocation or loss, divorce or death.

I am most interssted in protecting personal assets and if possible isolating any judgement against one property from the others as well.

For those who are trying to time the market, since the value add deals are tougher to find, for your newer acquisitions, what are you doing with your investment strategies to lower your risks and protect your assets should the market take a tumble?

I want to protect my assetts, limit my tax liability and do it the "right" way.

You may need to take out a first mortgage to protect your second, if you lose the collateral to a first lien holder, you're out of collateral.

Protections for the home owner / occupant.  

@Ben Curtin Often banks attempt to sell to Owner Occupied buyers first and keep Investors out the first couple of rounds; therefore, you might be protected from investor offers.