I also try to keep in mind great vendors can sometimes become meh vendors as they get busier and raise prices.

The outcome was that I was able to pay my son a good chunk of cash for his hard work and I was able to keep a buy and hold property that cash flows nicely with only $5,000 out of my pocket once it was all said and done.

Everyone was saying how HORRIBLE it was to be in real estate, how it would all keep dropping, that an REI would go bankrupt. 

So many "traditional" agents need to at least be educated on this topic and not keep saying "it's illegal" because they don't understand and haven't tried to...

Probably the most valuable quote for any investor to keep in mind, despite the idea having been echoed many times by Warren in the past.

One thing I have found true the last 3 months, BiggerPockets doesn't keep the secret sauce to themselves. 

@J Shoe I will start by saying consult with a personal attorney and CPA (and have them work together.)Typically people buy in an LLC just to keep their name off the record and for asset protection and operation agreements.As a sole investor a lot of people will buy in their personal name so they can more easily obtain quality financing, and then move the asset into the LLC.A lot of people of California use trusts (DSTs) to hold the asset, so they are not contributing to the problem of over taxation in CA, as CA has a franchise filing fee of $800 every year for each LLC.Just some things to think about, but find the professionals that can tailor a system for you personally.Cheers

Ask questions up front and keep in mind lower loan amounts get horrible rates on DSCR loans. 

I’d look at the cards you’ve had the longest and see if the terms on those make sense to keep them because the length of your credit history counts somewhat significantly.

I like looking for the 2-4 unit properties that need a little TLC to allow some renovations so you can up the rent and use the New ARV to borrow cash on a refinance to keep buying more REI.