I've spoken to a couple of lawyers here in Florida and I've been told the way the veil gets pierced here is either through committing fraud or commingling of funds.I agree that an LLC (rather than other types of entities) seems to be the best option for rental properties for most people, although apparently some wealthy people use various types of trust arrangements.

Here's was my Pre-Purchase Checklist when I first started:Upon Contract AcceptanceEnsure Access to Property: * Make Copy of Property Key(s) * Purchase New Lockbox * Place Key(s) in Lockbox and Install at Property (hidden)If Certified Funds are Required for EM: * Get Certified Funds for EM from Bank * Submit Certified Funds to AgentIf Financing the Purchase: * Send Contract to Loan Officer * Provide Loan Officer Property Info * Connect Loan Officer with RE Agent Info * Have Loan Officer Schedule Appraisal * Make sure Loan Officer Knows Anticipated Closing DateDue DiligenceInspections: * Turn On Utilities for Inspection (water, gas, electric) * Schedule Termite Inspection * Schedule Property Inspection * Attend Inspection and Take Notes for “Scope of Work” * Get Final Inspection Report and Review for “Scope of Work” * Get Termite Letter/Pest Inspection ReportContractor Prep: * Create Scope of Work * Create Materials List * Determine Which Contractors Are Needed: * GC * HVAC * Roofer * Electrician * Plumber * Pest/Termite Control * Painter * Landscaper * Carpenter * Schedule GC Walk-Through(s) * Get Contractor QuotesPurchase Decision: * Perform Final Financial Analysis Using Estimates/Quotes * Perform Both Flip and Rental Analysis * Make Go/No-Go Decision on PurchaseUpon Contingency FinalizationFinal Purchase Prep: * Get Closing Date from Lender/Agent * Arrange Landlord Insurance Policy * If Financing, Connect Insurance Agent with Loan Officer * Follow-Up on Appraisal with Lender * Choose a General Contractor * Choose Sub-Contractors (if no GC) * Determine Exit Strategy * Create Rehab Schedule (if no GC) * Create Final BudgetPrior to ClosingFinal Loan and Closing Prep: * Obtain and Review HUD-1 * Obtain and Review GFE (if financing) * Ensure Loan is Ready for Closing (if financing) * Get Certified Funds for Closing * Determine How to Hold Title * Get Partnership Agreement Documents Signed (if partnering)Upon ClosingDay of Closing: * Get Keys * Change Property Tax Records to Home Address * Get GC and Sub Contracts/Docs Signed * Arrange GC and Sub Start Dates

They seem to be acting as an agent for the seller or landlord to arrange a sale or lease and take a fee in doing so.

I would've called the company and depending upon how long you've been with them arranged for them to not charge a fee for you to keep the account open.

As it pertains to having a landlord arrangement with a utility, I do NOT do them.

What is your arrangement with the realtor?

As the broker's assistant, I'm pretty sure you could use their MLS access, show properties, and potentially collect commissions depending on the arrangement you work out with the broker.

As an out of state investor wanting someone with skin in the game to care about the property, some kind of partnership comes to mind.Know a young guy, who is the son of a friend, who is buying property in a southern area that is conducive to cash flow.Understanding how one person that carries all the burden could feel like they are getting the short end of the deal, I wonder what kind of arrangement would be fair where one lives in the area, finds property and keeps track of it, while the other investor is out of town too busy to be involved.I have more capital and credit than does my young friend so my contribution would lean more towards the capital side but that makes the partnership lopsided.

Could this be some sort of an arrangement with Fannie Mae?

They were free and I have the same arrangement with my bank now here in Utah.