Here's was my Pre-Purchase Checklist when I first started:Upon Contract AcceptanceEnsure Access to Property: * Make Copy of Property Key(s) * Purchase New Lockbox * Place Key(s) in Lockbox and Install at Property (hidden)If Certified Funds are Required for EM: * Get Certified Funds for EM from Bank * Submit Certified Funds to AgentIf Financing the Purchase: * Send Contract to Loan Officer * Provide Loan Officer Property Info * Connect Loan Officer with RE Agent Info * Have Loan Officer Schedule Appraisal * Make sure Loan Officer Knows Anticipated Closing DateDue DiligenceInspections: * Turn On Utilities for Inspection (water, gas, electric) * Schedule Termite Inspection * Schedule Property Inspection * Attend Inspection and Take Notes for “Scope of Work” * Get Final Inspection Report and Review for “Scope of Work” * Get Termite Letter/Pest Inspection ReportContractor Prep: * Create Scope of Work * Create Materials List * Determine Which Contractors Are Needed: * GC * HVAC * Roofer * Electrician * Plumber * Pest/Termite Control * Painter * Landscaper * Carpenter * Schedule GC Walk-Through(s) * Get Contractor QuotesPurchase Decision: * Perform Final Financial Analysis Using Estimates/Quotes * Perform Both Flip and Rental Analysis * Make Go/No-Go Decision on PurchaseUpon Contingency FinalizationFinal Purchase Prep: * Get Closing Date from Lender/Agent * Arrange Landlord Insurance Policy * If Financing, Connect Insurance Agent with Loan Officer * Follow-Up on Appraisal with Lender * Choose a General Contractor * Choose Sub-Contractors (if no GC) * Determine Exit Strategy * Create Rehab Schedule (if no GC) * Create Final BudgetPrior to ClosingFinal Loan and Closing Prep: * Obtain and Review HUD-1 * Obtain and Review GFE (if financing) * Ensure Loan is Ready for Closing (if financing) * Get Certified Funds for Closing * Determine How to Hold Title * Get Partnership Agreement Documents Signed (if partnering)Upon ClosingDay of Closing: * Get Keys * Change Property Tax Records to Home Address * Get GC and Sub Contracts/Docs Signed * Arrange GC and Sub Start Dates

5) What if the project is some type of value-added project that doesn't generate cash-flow in early period(s), does the preferred return accumulate until there is enough cash-flow to pay all preferred returns?

You are also basing ARV on converting it to a 3 bed 2 bath.I wouldn't touch a conversion unless there are other 3 bed 2 baths on the street.If just mainly 2/1's then you are going to have appraisal problems and getting buyers to offer on it.Nobody usually wants to own the most expensive property on the street because it appreciates the least and in a down turn loses the most value.Also I believe "I am not sure" but maybe Will knows is that the HML lender wants a qualified contractor to perform the work and will release the money draws once stages are completed.Also some of the work the city or county will require a license for you to do and you will not be allowed to complete the work yourself.It depends on local codes and what they require.You also have to factor in carrying costs and do overs.If I do something that normally costs 1,000 using a professional myself for 600 with parts but it takes my 3 times longer to do it and I mess it up and have to buy parts again then it's not smart.What you have to do is to find qualified contractors to get the job done quick at a below market price.You keep repair numbers low this way and turn times high.If you start a flip a certain time of the year and miss your list date you can be in a world of hurt when the slow season comes rolling in.You might sell at a real low value or not at all while holding costs from the HML eat you alive.You will also many times need good credit as all the HML's I talk to like to know if the investor has trouble selling the HML has a regular lender they partner with to put the investor into a regular loan and pay them off.

If it happens here great but the reality is you have a much better chance at your local REIA meeting/s.

PM fees in my area are 75% first month,s rent and about 10% gross month's rent per month for monthly management.

It will be in the lower 400's.

My question is why would someone set up an LLC and elect to be taxed as an S Corp instead of just taking the S Corp election via a C corp?

Steve,The original poster says that s/he is concerned about what the seller is not disclosing because there were previous claims and is even asking about suing for a false disclosure.

@Arthur- You nailed it.I wrote a BP Blog post Monday about Sam Zell.He thinks that 2012 will be tuff on investors trying to refinance in a falling market.Mark, we are in for a bad year.In the mid '70's-80's, I owned rentals.

Such as how long from one to the other and what means of acquisition(s).