For long term and large scale investments there are no benefits of doing it as sole proprietor (No corporation or entity).

Holiday decorative lights may be used if they are in good condition, used according to manufacturer instructions, installed a safe distance from flammable objects, and used in a safe manner, taking caution not to overload electrical circuits.

Yes I should move up scale in the level of contractor,,, but in today's economic situation that's easier said than done AND get a $15k rental rehab done for just $15k and not $30k...

I am interested in owning rentals, leverage, property management and long term I would like to do development on a larger scale as in doing my own commercial spaces or large scale residential.Ive been saving for a few years and just got back from Afghanistan so I want to purchase a duplex and over the next year add unto three.

And two, it will need even more time and resources to scale properly.

If on the other hand you might have a loss you can carry forward that may tip the scale towards selling.

I set up a kitchen lease two months ago, similar situation.What I see is the need for deep pockets and a deep operating organization to take on such a ventures on any scale with out of town owners.Are you proposing running the F/B or going in, advising and leaving after setting it up?

That's how you scale your finances and develop multiple streams of monthly cash flow.2) If you want a liability (i.e. boat, TV, etc.) then buy an asset to pay for it.

OTOH, it may not scale if you want to get up to enough units to make a living.

My plan is to initially start with flipping, but the overall goal is to form a full scale real estate company including boutique development (flipping, condo conversions, single home building, small condo infill buildings, etc) along with a property management company for buy and hold properties.