looking for partnership and LLC how-tos

[Suzanne Villanueva]

I have been successful with real estate investing on my own with only my own funds.  But now my real estate investing is growing to the point where I need to look at partnerships and LLCs more closely, and I would like to start with books or online resources so I can learn some of the basics before I pay to work with an attorney.  I need to know more about different kinds of partnerships, since I don't yet know what kind would be best suited for my upcoming investments.  I also don't have a clue yet about LLCs, or whether I should form one for a partnership.

There are lots of books and sites out there, but which are the good ones for accurate info for someone just starting the learning curve, and which are good for when I'm ready for more detailed info and can formulate specific questions?  I am in CA, most of my rentals are currently in TX.  What resources have been helpful for you?

Thanks in advance!