Tax Write Offs

[Art Ray]

If I want to write off books (education), gas on trips out to potential investment properties, attorney consultations, etc., should I have an LLC already in place, or can I write them off later once I obtain an LLC?

Basically I have bought a good number of books already on real estate and I plan to buy more as well as consult attorneys regarding forming an LLC, real estate taxes, tenant/landlord legal advice, etc. But I currently don't have an LLC in place. Will I be able to deduct all these things if I currently don't have an LLC but get one afterwards, or do I need to have the LLC in place before I buy more books and consult attorneys to get the advantages of the tax deductions.

Thanks for your replys