I would be very careful with a lot of course or guru in general right especially a price tag like that what I would always recommend reading the contract and see who is the person more in favor and if its not you then dont sign up very rare to see someone actually benefit from a course.

Personally I like the work part and building up to something.

If you go over budget, you'll be forced to bring liquidity you may not have to the refi closing table.

Neighborhoods there are usually in better shape (although Baltimore is very much block by block), and in my opinion, the quality of the tenant pool is much better.Oh, and great idea checking out the properties in person—the pictures you see on the MLS can be very deceptive lol.

I personally put them on a schedule, long term, because I do not have the time to do the work myself and contracting it out all in one shot comes with a large bill.  

If the trust is disregarded and you and your wife file a joint tax return the property is reported on your personal joint return. 

I personally think it really depends on how much value will it add to the property and if the town will allow it. 

I've got stories that would be hard to believe on some of my seller financing deals, contract on a napkin, personal check for a notarized deed, hand shake deals, etc., etc. and a LOT of fun.

I personally use Vanguard, but I know others like Schwab and Fidelity also have solid options.

Or can you still run everything through your personal return (just want to make sure that I can deduct things such as HOA fees which I can do if it is a rental).2) If I do decide to run everything thru my personal tax return (save on LLC fees), should I at the least set up a separate bank account to track costs separately?