But for straightforward setups, you can actually form an LLC directly on the PA Department of State website yourself, and it’s very cost-effective.For larger portfolios or more complex structures, some investors prefer going through a real estate attorney to ensure their LLC is set up to maximize tax benefits and liability protection.

When evaluating long-term real estate opportunities, keep in mind the four key pillars of investing:Appreciation – Focus on how your property’s value grows over time.Cash Flow – Assess your rental income after accounting for all expenses.Tax Benefits – Leverage deductions like depreciation to reduce your tax burden.Debt Pay Down – Use rental income to pay down your mortgage, steadily building equity.Think of it like investing in a 401(k) with a long-term perspective—especially in California, where property values can appreciate significantly over time.

I work on both the loan and the realtor side so let me know if I can be of benefit to you. 

I'm doing a cash out DSCR refi so I still get some of my capital back and can take advantage of cash flow/depreciation and all the other benefits of holding. 

If you know the bones of the transaction, it will definitely benefit your investing career.

On top of that, If there is something else I want to know, it is pretty easy to adjust the spreadsheet, and use it over and over and over as I analyze deals. 

Otherwise you can break the limited liability benefit (if operating as a LLE).

If you plan on selling other people's houses you can charge for that with a license.If you are only selling your own houses, there is no benefit...but there is substantially higher liability.

With a 0% down VA loan and now a property value of $650K (+) we have refinanced a few times to get locked into a 2.25% sometime in 2021 and are now enjoying all the benefits of dealing with some long distance property management.

The loans are a little more expensive than a freddie/fannie loan, but the big benefit is that they are assumable.