@Sabino Gonzalez , I am not an expert in taxes like @Steven Hamilton II , but here are some thoughts.First I believe a subchapter S is the preferred company to do flips in so you can avoid some of the self employment tax.Next have your friend give the money to your company, he will want a written agreement, then after your you sell the property have your company issue him the check for his share and send him a 1099 showing what you paid him.This shows the expense to him for using his money, and is a deduction for you for your cost.

So then it just becomes a matter of cost, which if you're contemplating making the switch to self employment just make sure that your income supports that expense.

I will consider employing your approach.

Here in Northern California, with standard ranch houses oftentimes pushing $1mil or more, spending a couple thousand on staging is not unreasonable and is quite common.

However, if you know you are going to be a real estate investor and be self employed then going to law school is not necessary and will not help increase your income.

I would recommend that you meet with your legal and tax advisors and think about structuing a tenant-in-common structure or TIC where each investor acquires a direct interest in the real estate as a tenant-in-common and the overall property is governed by a tenant-in-common agreement.

Here in Sacramento, it is common for a bank to have ten REO assets listed with six different agents.

I like appraisal the as a job the most, as I believe it allows me more freedom, to work in a self-employed capacity.

This way, you get a builders warranty and on the re-sold new ones, a 1-2 year warranty is also commonly negotiated.I started out in San Antonio several years ago (when starting in TX) and am now working a majority of my deals in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area (Fort Worth in prticular).

Site located right across the street from tourist train depot depositing upward of 50,000 visitors per year.Buidling renovated with new systems about 10 years ago - pretty good condition, etc. 100% leased presentlyRents (6 tenants) - $42840 ann.Expenses - Management - $3500Taxes - $2000Water - $720Insurance - $3500Vacancy $3500 (+/-)Repairs $2500 (tenants responsible for interior maintenance - LL is only shell of building and HVAC systems)No common area utilities - all seperate meteredNOI - $27120 (8.34 CAP) - with zero down.Although it shouldnt matter in the deal eval., seller has agreed to finance $100 K (on a second to close after I do the first mortgage) at 0% interest for 5 years (principal pmts.