Get a federal employer identification number, open up a business-only checking account, and keep your personal finances out of your LLC accounting books.Create an operating agreement.

Call the employer.

The form of the security (whether it is a formal certificate or nominal interests in the physical assets employed by the enterprise) is irrelevant.

One thing I think I see missing is the 3.4% tax added to fund the Affordable care act that is separate from fed capital gains and whatever state cap gains tax which isn't an issue in Fl but could be as high as 10%.On the other side of things - if you're talking about flipping activity you're talking ordinary income tax but also self employement tax as well - another 15%.So 50% might be an extreme worst case scenario but apart from other tax saving strategies the sting can still feel that bad.Takeaway - strategize and pay only what you have to legally.

If they have a more established rental history, have been employed longer or their employment is stable, the more likely you can collect if something like this happens (and the more likely they are to pay/not damage items so as to avoid this altogether).

Then I spoke to some local residents/realtors and examined some stats on zillow for recent sales, and their prior sales - and the market has stayed flat, or even declined while the rest of the country has enjoyed the recovery last 4 years.I have some rentals in California, and while I dont expect CA type appreciation, the flat to negative trends seemed worrying, and indeed puzzling given the beauty I find in the area, the high quality of construction, and the solid employment fundamentals.Any opinions on why prices are falling?

Because you get the match from your employer.

I believe the employment stability weighs very big.

I'm finally leaving my W-2 job this Wednesday (Feb 24th) and I'll be fully self employed then.

I feel that having gainful employment under your belt of any kind will be helpful in teaching yourself about accountability, time management, and also help you secure future employment if you catch an early bad break in real estate.If you're really interested in real estate and need a cash job to help you become an investor, a lot of folks recommend working at a property management, development, construction, or other real estate related business to learn about a specific sector of the industry.