The best way to protect against these types of suits is to take care of your properties and your tenants so there is no reason to sue you.

We've already agreed on rates, and I'm going to ensure all the paperwork protects me just like it would any other lender (proper contracts, personal guarantee, etc)The part I'm unsure of is what type of entity it should be under, just a regular LLC?

How can my mom and grandmother both be protected?

“Addressing this risk will strengthen U.S. national security and help protect the integrity of the U.S. financial system.”Details of the initiative still to be worked out include which types of real estate, including commercial property, would be included.

I know of many other people who do it under their own name, I prefer the protection of the llc.

That said, my marriage has been on shaky ground and while I’m hopeful that we will continue to work things out, I’d like to continue to protect my (sizeable) proceeds from the first property as a separate asset in the event that things do go south. 

It's not a lie and it will help you protect you from feeling like the bad guy.But in all honesty, the best practice is to learn to stand up for yourself.

I watched an episode where Brandon made such a scenario work... earn the seller's trust that they'd not be wasting their time and yet keep yourself protected by submitting provocative offer 'subject to inspection'.

and This probaby goes without saysing,  that you're acting as a PM under the protection of an LLC?

And some real estate contracts don’t even have attorney protections within them.