For actual protection when the papers are served, you need to set it up correctly from the beginning that means opening a bank account, having an operating agreement and ownership certificates, EIN, etc.

Like Bill Gulley said, If you are a 1 trick pony you are not serving the seller's needs.Here are just some of the tools I use...

@Zachary Freeman Ok, now i see where you are coming from, yes, as you pay down your mortgage your net worth will increase. in the same sense, you take the equity from the house and use it to purchase another property, you have increased your net worth with the potential of more income from it. so that same amount that you want to sit in your property by paying down the loan and increase your net worth will actually serve you better by taking it and investing in another property ( same amount ) you will increase your net worth and income. hope that makes sense, that is why you have heard that you do not want to keep a mortgage deep into the property, the equity will serve you better by pulling it out and reinvesting it. read this blog i wrote, may help to understand: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/8121/49059-do-...

Do you know if they had been served yet prior to the sale?

Focus and perseverance will serve you well.

I did have a question that may be simple to answer and maybe not.Would you guys advise trying to structure a SDIRA in order to put the money down on a few properties, or would I be better served to take out a loan from my IRA which would allow me to get the down payment money for one or two more places?

Your interests are best served by identifying and engaging property management services before you close on the purchase of property from the owner.Before selecting a property management service, you need to get references and recommendations.

You'd really be better served finding the off market deals no one knows about yet.

Or would I be better served cold calling them?

You drive 30-60 minutes for one room of slots and a self serve coke machine in the back corner.