Most investors once they get to around 5 or more properties they refinance the block of loans under a commercial loan using their LLC/Business and then those loans do not report to credit because they would all be grouped under a blanket loan.If your lender is stopping you form buying another home and you only have (4) reporting to credit just reach out to a bigger bank/lender. 

This is why I’m getting prepped by getting my HELOC out, I assume getting an LLC, and then setting up a team.

Perhaps you guys can form a partnership or an LLC.

We also formed an LLC. 

At this point you'll probably have a LLC because there's no benefit to keeping anything in your personal name since you won't get better financing terms as a result. 

We do not have an LLC set up.

From what I understand, it's not necessary for me to create a separate entity immediately and I'm curious if I can run expenses and income through my real estate LLC.

I have been hearing differing opinions on financing.. my question is.. which would be better a conventional loan  or form an LLC and   use hard money? 

I was told I made a mistake by creating an LLC and was told I should have put my properties in a land trust.

put the property into an LLC.