You can also access such lists through the county clerk in most cases as this kind of information is public record.

I’ve even given mine out in public presentations because it is very easy to get some one SS# today. 

I tried to push an offer over the phone and was told that I have to wait for the property to be on the public market, which makes no sense at all.

Does anyone have suggestions for protecting my personal assets from liability in a way that doesn't violate the terms of the loan?

You would defer a lot of taxes, have a spendthrift trust that would protect your family long after your grandchildren are gone and you could earn substantial returns on the loans you make which would be serviced by a 3rd party company.

Now with more tenant protection laws this may not be an easy play. 

Undoubtedly, others will trot out Don Campbell and the RIEN network (though many like his publications and organisation, I'm find them a little too sales oriented).I would suggest Douglas Gray's "The Canadian Landlord's Guide: Expert Advice for the Profitable Real Estate Investor" as a good primer. 

Do you find LLC's to be useful or not with your real estate investments? 

But other than that you will find commercial/public still uses it pretty often.

In fact, I suspect they are responsible for a good portion of the rent/value increases we've seen over the past decade, since nothing really hits the public market.