Generally speaking, LLC's are designed to protect your personal assets in the event someone pursues a claim against the business. 

Every social event becomes an opportunity to either meet a new client, or meet someone who may refer you to a new client.

I would also suggest that you look into Northwest REIA and Rarebard, both of which are attended by very seasoned and knowledgeable real estate investors.

The reason I consider the lawyer earlier, because the tediousness between attending court/work as Ned mentioned earlier. 

Hello, I'm a wholesaler in San Francisco attending my first REI workshop/event.

@Chase SchmidtThat's exactly what my parents were looking into when I attended but never pulled the trigger.

With your team's background in construction and interior work, I would say you should look into flipping and if a deal comes along that you don't have the bandwidth for, you have the ability to wholesale it with a good estimate on rehab/renovation costs.There should be an informal BP Meet-Up soon that I would recommend attending, they are a great way to network with other investors in a low-pressure atmosphere.

It might be different, but I don't know.In any event, I would listen to your accountant, because he has a far better idea of what the IRS will have to say, than we do, particularly in any given situation, and the IRS's opinion is what counts.I would highly recommend, however, that you not install anything *over* carpet. 

I would second the suggestion you attend some local REIA meetings to network there and see what everyone else in your area is suggesting and doing. 

I was talking with my local REI Club a little while ago and they mentioned that they usually only have beginning - intermediate investors attend.