Originally posted by Bryan Hancock:Hope this helps...A great site to visit is Shadowstats too:ShadowstatsYou know, Bryan, it is apparent from this post that you have done quite a lot of reading on the subject, or at least know the source of a lot of info on the subject.I am far from an economics expert, and am just working my way through this type of information as a layman, to see how it could affect me and what action I could take to minimise risks.What interests me is that the shadowstats site you recommend is incredibly pro-hyperinflation, and yet you are not convinced.As I said, I am no expert.

I know some people worry about liability from providing these but my own view is that I would like to minimise fire damage to my property and to the extent that an extinguisher might do that then they are worthwhile.Fire is serious business and fire inspectors mean business.

It boils down to maximising returns or minimising risk (in theory).Make your cash earn it's keep or take surplus cash and hoard it for someday maybe.Odd thing about cash hoarders is that although they think they are being ultra conservative dead equity actually places your money at a higher risk.

Thanks Cameron.Yes, my question is whether or not I can use the $2500 de minimise harbor for the insulation since it is under $2500

I tend to buy homes that already have tile etc. to minimise that.

I also know that governments often have incentives to allow one to legally minimise tax, so I would like advice on this too.

Since you have hardwood it is logical to leave it till it is beat to h*ll then rather than refinish you lay down laminate over top.Hardwood and carpet require more upkeep than laminate and the goal with rentals is to minimise upkeep.

I don't foresee excessive properties at this stage at all; so 2 questions I have:1) Is it better to set up in Texas rather than out of state to minimise taxes and also ease of paperwork/etc. 2) Can I form an LLC myself, using the state website?

What the professionals - your accountant and attorney - will help you do, is to determine how and when you should organise your real estate business in the beginning to enable you to both meet your present needs while enabling you to grow to meet your mid to long-term objectives - all while minimising taxation.One final thing to consider when planning to invest in the U.S.A. at the present moment is that the CAD has slid to $0.80 USD over the past four months (much of it in the last month) as the consequence of a strengthening USD and the Loonie having become a petrol-currency.  

Is there a way to minimise/pay off student loan debt in a short period of time?