They may have been looking left and preparing for a 12%, 15%, 17% return and never paid attention to the risks on the right.  

@Fed Finjap now you're better prepared if you continue to scale and eventually hire a PMC!

Your best advice would come, for a Tax Advisor NOT a Tax Preparer (CPA).

Focus on saving and researching financing while networking with real estate professionals to prepare for your first investment.Dont forget to add tax savings to your ROI for better decision making.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Preparation is key, and relationships are everything.When closing a property deal, the funds typically required include a purchase deposit, which is refundable during the due diligence period, and an additional nonrefundable extension deposit.

I'm feeling that I am being milked and preparing to get my attorney involved if we don't settle this soon.

We do all phases of the operation through. buy, rehab, rent, repairs, bookkeeping, tax preparation, etc.

One other possibility to prepare for is that the court may ask the two of you to meet with a mediator prior to the judge hearing the case.

And as investors we should know this, but always anticipate higher costs and longer waits.EXAMPLE Breakdown of Costs:Plan Purchase: $1,500Permitting Fees: $2,500-7,500Site Preparation (grading, utilities, foundation): $20,000–$30,000ADUs require separate utility connections for water, electricity, and sewer but you can tap into existing utilities at the primary houseIn Raleigh you CANNOT split lots fee simple, so setting up completely separate utilities would not allow you to section off the ADU as of nowYour ADU must be on a permanent foundation (no wheels, no ability to move the structure)Construction (labor and materials): $100,000–$150,000Low-grade: $150–$180/sq ft averageMid-grade: $180–$220/sq ft averageHigh-end: $220–$250/sq ft averageLandscaping/Finishing Touches: $5,000Total Estimated Cost: $125,000–$200,000You could easily spend $200k+ with super end high finishes, custom designs, complicated sitework, adding a second story or more sqft, etc.

Tools like QuickBooks or even a simple spreadsheet can help you mentain compliance and prepare for audits.Reinvest WiselyScaling a short-term rental business often requires reinvestment in marketing, property upgrades, or even hiring help.