There definitely are many advantages and a few disadvantages as well but very worthy of further discussion.It's curious to see that both a mortgage and the government run 401k's are designed to keep you from having access to your own equity/money.

I'm seeing mixed reviews on the web so want to get input from fellow investors about good or bad experience they may have had with the company.Insurance quote difference is 30% between shelter and other known companies like state farm/liberty mutual.

I don't necessiarly agree with that because LLCs were designed to give you that protection provided you run the LLC exactly to the letter of the law.As @Brandon Hall mentioned, having and LLC will make it more difficult and expensive to get financing because the LLC has no real assets to go after in case of default or bankruptcy.

The above can be posted in your office, web site or given to applicants along with your application. 

You can check details here.Image: STG Design

I am also interested in adding on to the side of the house to add square footage and additional bedrooms/bath).I am interested in doing as much of the work as I can myself (part of the reason I bought the house), but I don't exactly know how to go about getting permits and who to use for any design (arch/engineer) that might be needed in order to get the permits.

I asked them for advice on what potential investors can do to increase the chances of success with multifamily and/or get more comfortable with the intimidating factors associated with acquiring, owning, and operating multifamily property.Attended low-cost workshops, educational events, and web-based training.  

Don't think this isn't work, and you have to be savvy about how you design and market the property.

“My first vision for Apple”– Steve Jobs reflecting upon the clean lines and open esthetics of the Eichler home in which he grew up.Joe Eichler designed many modern residences throughout Silicon Valley.

I would think it depends on what you are trying to accomplish and perhaps consult an attorney that can give you a legal answer.Here is a web site that has a basic explanation:http://estate.findlaw.com/planning-an-estate/whats...