Recommendation for a lawyer in Dallas area

[Shawn Thom]

Hi, I'm going to be moving into the rental business pretty soon and I want to start searching out a lawyer with a real estate focus to help me get things set up etc.

Anybody have any recommendations of a lawyer in the Dallas area? I am in McKinney but willing to go anywhere in the area.

[John Chapman]

Shawn, are you planning just gradually purchasing SFRs or are you looking to move more into the small commercial MFR? If it's just SFR, I would question whether you want to even do an LLC as opposed to just a sole proprietor with a massive umbrella policy $1-$2M. You can't get the amazing Fannie Mae rates in an LLC These rates and programs can really make your returns spectacular.

Also, you don't need an attorney to set up an LLC. All you need to do is fill out a form (on the Texas SoS website), create an operating agreement (which I can flip you a form) and apply for an EIN. Also, evictions in Texas are so easy, anyone can do them. (Most landlords I know do them themselves.) Attorneys are useful but they are a cost (sometimes large) that needs to be justified in light of the work they are performing. Just my two cents.