There are cost differences in each state, and I believe Texas is among the cheapest (which is maybe why it was recommended) but you'll need to pay for a registered agent if you are not a resident in the state.I've formed LLCs in Georgia for property investments in Florida, South Carolina and Virginia, so it isn't necessary to be in the state of the property.  

It still has fuses as opposed to circuit breakers as well (I would try those Edison plugs with built in circuit breakers) I am thinking if I do become owner, I would probably give a heat cost allowance each month of say $300 and divide the remainder among the 4 units? 

If we look at economics and demographics alone then Dallas would be the best but Dallas is among the highest in the nation for both property taxes and insurance.

Now I'm selling nearly 100 houses each year plus several of my own restoration projects and have been ranked among the top 50 Realtors in MN out of more than 20,000 four years running for number of homes sold, but it took a lot of thinking positive, hard work and getting out of my comfort zone.

An LLC offers more tax advantages and greater flexibility when setting up a JV in terms of allocating income among the Partners. 

look at a company called nwp if you don't want to do it yourselfYou take a proportion of water, electric, garbage etc and split it among the tenants based on number of occupants or number of bedrooms.

The head of the estate had to fight in court at the time because of a dispute among the siblings at that time.

Agreed that you need to get 3 prices and a clear scope of work among the 3 (apples to apples).  

I would get a good lawyer (Jody Gable at Lutz Bobo,etc is among the best in FL and covers whole state) and have them do an initial review.

Michele, On the other hand, I have found that every time one  of my clients goes through a big bank, they become another number among the thousands of customers that bank has.