I'd get the engineer report, and ask the engineer to provide (in addition to the report) a drawing so you can visualize (since you are not there) with what he/she would do, and photos if you don't have any currently.

The DST functions like an LLC because it separates liability, arguable better, than the LLC - and as an added benefit it also functions in a parent-child relationship allowing for properties' liability to be compartmentalized within the entity, like the Series LLC.Some investors will operate their companies through an LLC, which caries all the liability for the operations (management, rent collection, contractors, etc.) and just place their properties/assets into the DST.

Daniel,The net taxable profit of your rentals and your tax bracket are the primary function.

For a very visual learner like me that likes to look at pictures, creating a map and plotting the major developments, grocery stores, StarBucks, shopping facilities, best schools, median household incomes etc... of an area opens up 50-60% of the story for you straight off the bat.

I am looking to understand the cost of different jobs, and this is a great example where I can visualize the changes through your photo's, and map them back to a spreadsheet.

Outside of those functions I actually don't know in detail how a title company functions for a real estate investor.

Truth be told, if it did, and functioned with any real efficiency, it would be outlandishly expensive.

I keep things very simple with these deals and make "job aids" so the seller can visual what's happening...and I use a 1-page contract that my title company is familiar with...one benefit is the access to data...so, I can show the seller what's going on in the market and how I am valuing their property. 

Hey folks, I enjoy designing functional spaces in my flips, taking advantage of the square feet, creating the most usable environment possible.

I have one my welder trips regularly that does not visually appear to be tripped but is always is.