Opening LLC in California Bay Area

[Sanjeev Sagar]

Hello Everyone, hope day is going great for everyone !

I like to ask a question: "Should I hire a real estate attorney to open LLC for real estate investment or Can I do it by myself ? or Should I use online services to open LLC?

I'm early level investor and I am not looking for real solid business entity right now. May be down the line. I need some basic structure to protect my investment at reasonable price. Thanks, 

[Graham K.]

I own 2 LLCs in California and I can tell you the process is very easy and affordable. I would definitely not hire a lawyer or use any service. Simply download the single page form LLC-1 and send it in with the $70 filing fee and you're done! Within something like 60 days, you'll also need to file form LLC-12. Again, single page and something like $20 fee. You'll need to file the LLC-12 on an annual basis. But that's it; it's that simple.

If you really want to learn about it in depth before doing it, check out Nolo books. They have an entire book dedicated to forming LLCs in California. If you're in the East Bay, drop by their headquarters in Berkeley to peruse all their titles.