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Updated almost 5 years ago,
Just some basic questions before I finally get started
Good morning, BP.
Initially, I was learning all that I could about fix-and-flips; however, I'm strongly considering turning back to owning rental properties. I just have a few basic questions regarding what to do before I get my feet wet and my hands dirty:
- Before I own any piece of property, I would need to have all the necessary documents ready (i.e. rental application forms, notice to quit/vacate, etc.). Would I need to meet with an attorney to iron out this paperwork? Or could I save money by creating these documents, myself?
- I drive a car and have car insurance under Company A. When I buy my first property via FHA, should my insurance umbrella policy be covered by that same company? And when I start buying more properties, should that same company still be used?
- I only have a checking account with Bank A. (I closed my savings account because the interest rate wasn’t worth it.) When I own a property, should I create another checking account and a new savings account with Bank A? Or should I go to another bank? I'm anticipating the event of me getting sued by a tenant and losing the lawsuit - hopefully this never happens and my bank account(s) are secured to a certain extant.
- Under the New Jersey Landlord and Tenant Registration Requirements guideline, a “landlord” is someone who “rents a two-dwelling unit that is NOT owner-occupied.” So as soon as I move out of my first duplex and into another, am I legally required to register for a landlord license (and all other necessary certificates)?
- At what point can I start owning property under an LLC? Transferring title from my name to an entity would trigger the due-on-sale clause. I'm thinking that if I own a property long enough, I could sell it and use the profits to purchase a new property under an LLC. Does this plan make sense?