I understand the difference of having one or not but the question is, can I still have partners on a deal who I can go in with, neither of us being affiliated with an investment LLC?

"a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate" in Pasadena, MD.The only way to know for sure is for you to sit down with that broker, go through the interview/pitch/show&tell thing they got for you, then ask those questions.With that said, because my broker ,Champion Realty, is an affiliate of the Brokerage you're interested in "Berkshire Hathaway", my assumption is that they would operate somewhat similarly, so I think my opinion might be valid.

I am an agent for Century 21 Affiliated.

@Minh Do - I recently passed the RE exam and I am looking for a "investor friendly" broker to affiliate with.  

Then again, an attorney may have affiliate arrangements to avoid such issues of state qualifications.

I'd also check out www.papersourceonline.com (I have no affiliation with them)

DEFINITELY let the tenant get those in their own name...and confirm it in writing from the power/water company.If things go even slightly amiss with Duke you can expect them to require a deposit not just on this property...but on every account affiliated with your name including your home address. 

I have no affiliation nor do I have a preference for any of these companies, I just named a few for your reference. 

A note of caution: The investor needs to fully understand rehab costs and the risks affiliated with this type of solution.

I bought my first rental property in Allentown last year through an agent affiliated with Steel City Realty.