I know I need to put something in place to protect myself and a prior post brought up umbrella insurance policies as a better alternative to an LLC for a smaller investor like myself.

When it comes to leases if you are going to customize them I would highly recommend having your attorney take a quick look, I know here in Oregon the laws tend to protect the tenant more so making sure you and your investment are protected should be your top priority and those forms are what is going to protect you the most.

that seems like overkill.One other thing to be cognizant about is that California normally has a $800 minimum fee associated with most returns.Asset protection is important and should be discussed with an attorney.

Even if it's not an attorney, it should be a title company and I'd prefer something like ATG (which again, may be more like IL thing) that is giving you a policy on that so you are protected.

If you lose, the tenant could stay and cost you much, much more.Using an attorney protects you and it's a great way to learn the process so you can do it alone in the future.

I give furniture sliders.... to protect my floors!

Additional protection in a lease, term or M2M, may only address language not in the state regulations.

The way I see it, I can either roll up my sleeves and learn how to obtain a large amount of business credit for myself, or I can hire someone who has the expertise already.

Your equity is at too much risk with SFHs and would be better protected investing in multi units.

Protect yourself with an umbrella liability policy if you're concerned about being sued.One girl's opinionStephanie