That's why I'm looking at entity formation: it's how fully functioning investment enterprises act; not as sole proprietors.  

Check the register of deeds in the county the company operates out of... if it's a DBA (sole proprietor) they'll have the assumed name registered...the SOS will only have records for corps and llc's

I'll comment on the Solo 401k eligibility piece: While you do no necessarily need an LLC to be eligible (you can adopt the plan as a sole proprietor), you do need to have real self-employment.

You can run your "business" as a sole proprietor.

Because my main goal is to have many rental properties, should I start off my venture as a LLC or save the money for now and start as a sole proprietor?

Originally posted by @Darsh Patel:...I'm trying to figure out whether the cost of the LLC is worth doing it now or if I should wait until my portfolio gets bigger....Limiting risk to source of risk:First, the theoretical basis for owning property under an LLC vs in your personal name is the same reason it is advisable (based on level of risk you are exposed to) to conduct business as an LLC vs say as a sole proprietor.

For example you can contribute more money tax free to an IRA or a life insurance policy in an LLC than as an individual or sole proprietor.

Hi,I have been self employed as a sole proprietor my whole life.

I will be working for a broker soon, but I was thinking I do not want to work under them as a sole proprietor .

I will be working for a broker soon, but I was thinking I do not want to work under them as a sole proprietor .