All the hour, 2 hour long youtube videos are informative, but still don't give out 100% of the information as they are just one long teaser for some guru promotion.Also, would it be profitable and wise to incorporate yourself a profit in the backend of the L/O as well, as is done in a sandwich lease option, where you get paid when the option to buy is exercised at the end of the lease, or is it much wiser, less liability, and outweighs the risks to just collect your option assignment fee in the beginning and move on.Thanks

However, possibly down the road I will incorporate.

Most churches are owned by a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation so title would in that case require Articles of incorporation and corporate resolution signed by all officers E powered to sell.If owned personally, it may be probate time.Sounds like you are only beginning your research and due diligence.

I've been doing a ton of research, like I am sure every beginner has, about real estate investing and one of the key decisions that has me hesitant to buy my first property is whether or not I need to incorporate an LLC first or buy a property in my own name.  

We only have one partnership agreement for the state of our primary LLC incorporation (Utah).

(although you can lower the tax bill with smart dividend usage).Insurance can replace the protection of a corporation to a limited extent, but you should sit down with a California attorney to discuss those issues (you can incorporate yourself)Starting an LLC isn't that difficult but it all depends on your risk tolerance.

My strategy is to buy and hold, but I am also looking to start incorporating some flips as well to generate capital.

Property tax bills for the last 2 years IRS Tax returns and addendums for the last 2 years (as relatedto the property only) Articles of Incorporation Good Standing Letter from the Department of Revenue Any licenses in the name of Sathyam Enterprises Rent roll for the property for the last 2 years Security deposit register Payroll records Each different lease type Written property policies such as pets and parking Information on all rent concessions List of any uncompleted maintenance requests Maintenance and capital improvement history for past 3 years Litigation history on the property for the past 5 years Any operation manuals for the property Title policy Site plan Architectural plans Environmental Reports Any mold inspection reports Any lead-based paint inspection reports Any fire system reports or citations

My flipping business primarily does assignments and wraps, but am incorporating lease options and seller financing in our deal structure options. 

For a corporation, this is the Articles of Incorporation, for an LLC, these are the Operating Agreement.