With that kind of information he could commit fraud, and he lives in Florida, the Fraud state, with all the fake lawyers and bs going on there.Yes my rant is over, screw this site.

forming my company in the new year, We plan on consulting a experience lawyer in the real estate investing arena .

I'm not a tax lawyer, but if you do education on your way to anything, It is deductible if you itemize.

So as long as I keep my "advertising" to friends and family (pre-existing relationships), can I just give my proposal and presentation to family and friends, and once they agree on something, head to a lawyer to create the note between us?

You don't need a lawyer for small claims, document everything you can and get a judgement...ask for the max, don't discount anything. $3400 sounds low for all that.

Speak with a securities lawyer. 

My favorite thing to do when calling references (and this goes for any trade, contractor, lawyer, accountant, etc...) is to ask if they know anyone else who uses their services and get their number.  

Do you get a lawyer involved or is it a "do it yourself" process?

Does anyone know of a reliable lawyer to hep me with quiet title ?

It's a Whole New BusinessBy Gene TrowbridgeStep two, speak to a corporate/SEC lawyer who specializes in putting syndication deals in your city/State.