This will give you the ability  to see what direction your area is heading and the knowledge to recognize a good deal.But for the sake of the question:I like Boise and the surrounding area (California's are moving to Idaho like crazy).New Bruanfels is an awesome area and close proximity to Austin so good things are bound to happen.

You need to be able to recognize a "deal" have a tool or technique available to implement to literally capitalized on the deal. 

@Nicholas Lohr While I agree that you can operate without LLCs for a time, you need to also recognize that you are investing in one of the two highest litigated careers in the US.

In the scenario you outlined, there are only 2 ways that I can think of right now that they would find out about your misreporting outside of an audit - if this was a commercial client that files 1099s, or if you file a partnership or scorp return and present a balance sheet that includes prepaid rent and is a cash basis return.Cash income is recognized if you have constructive receipt as of the last day of the tax year.

Hi Folks,Disclaimers: planning to live in Brooklyn for next 10 years, recognize that its an equity play, not a cash flow play.

If you consistently analyze properties, it will be much easier to recognize a good deal when it shows up.5.

Recognizing the reality, I include in the Lease, statements that Landlord will take care of the after Move out Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning, etc and put a $ Monetary figure on the deduction for Security Deposit to take care of those Issues.

If you consistently analyze properties, it will be much easier to recognize a good deal when it shows up.5.

I recognize I am coming off as extremely opposed to risk, I'm not. 

I recognize this and am trying to build that into my budget.