TIN - Taxpayer Identification Number. This is typically issued to an individual who does not have and/or does not qualify for a social security number. If you have an SSN, you do not need a TIN.
EIN -Employer Identification Number. This is typically issued to a business or other non-living, but taxable entity, that is "at least" reported on SCH C. But even if you're reporting rental income on SCH E, if you are required to issue tax reporting documents to vendors (such as a 1099_MISC) it's smart to get an EIN.
The EIN number is tied to a specific social security number. There are only two entities that know what SSN an EIN is tied to. One entity is the IRS, and the other is the individual requesting the EIN. No other person or entity has a need to know what SSN an EIN is tied to.
Getting an EIN is free and takes about 10 minutes at https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-n...
Once issued the EIN, DO NOT LOSE IT, as recovering a lost or forgotten EIN from the IRS is not a simple process.
Take note that if you request an EIN for your SCH E rental purposes, there is nowhere on your tax return for you to enter the EIN, and you don't need to. The IRS will already know what SSN that EIN is tied to, and it needs to be either one of the taxpayer's SSN on the 1040.
