Is one a clear choice and I am having trouble seeing it?

@Joshua Lanzieri when renovating older properties there are almost always negative surprises.Go watch any HGTV renovation show and most of them will have this as a cliff-hanger, forcing the choice of either going over budget or cutting back elsewhere.10% overruns happen often, but 50% is NOT acceptable!

Everything else; relationships, making connection, closing deals, and ultimately making money, is the result of concerted efforts.

But I have 0 empathy to pay for someone's CHOICE of not having there stuff insured. 

After talking with an operator I felt he was a good choice for a tenant and he mad a great offer above market for the apartment so we agreed.In the past I would usually rent my own units and to stay competitive I would keep an eye on the rentals in the area and try to be one step above if I could....This time that was a little tougher as the neighborhood hasn't gotten very trendy. 

A 1031 exchange is a smart choice for your parents, reducing immediate taxes to $70K (capital gains on $300K boot + $25K depreciation recapture) versus $148K without it.

$280k home for $2,500 rent is a personal choice.

As both an investor and a mortgage broker who has personally used both options, I can say there are benefits to each.It ultimately comes down to comparing the two side by side based on your specific situation.

Most of us have passions that will never be followed, amazing businesses or ideas that will never be pursued… unless we can solve the Cash-Flow Freedom Equation, which ultimately leads to Time-Freedom.

LLC's separate your personal assets from your investments and offer you protection from lawsuits related to your property, they can help to establish a more professional image if you plan to expand, and they provide some flexibility on how you are taxed.There are some drawbacks, included fees and administrative work, but it's ultimately best to consider speaking with a CPA to determine the best option for you.