The amount of useful information someone with even half a brain can learn here for free to supplement books from Amazon or even the public library is astonishing.

Great job people, like seeing community involvement as that is where you will meet other like minded folks.My community gigs began in 82 and have been active until a few years ago:Coached Little LeagueDid volunteer tax returns for seniorsSang Bass in the choirTreasurer of large men's groupVolunteered with American Red Cross, Disaster Relief, Damage assessmentsBoard of Directors of Habitat for Humanity affiliateBoard of Directors, Ozark Literacy CouncilBoard of Directors Community Housing Assistance & DevelopmentAppointed as Commissioner, Springfield Public Housing AuthorityAppointed as Chairman of Rehabilitation and Redevelopment Committee of City long range planning commissionVictims Violence Center Volunteer Executive Director of Non-Profit Housing Organization teaching homeownership skillsOzarks Greenways, volunteered at lake clean ups (thanks Bob) I'm sure I missed some I know, but those in RE should be involved in their market, you are not only helping others you are shaping the market you're active in, it pays great dividends.

The perception of your liability protection of closely held corporations is almost a myth, if you operate it, it is most likely going to be vulnerable to a challenge, piercing the corporate veil.

Code pt. 1450, govern the business of real estate brokerage in Illinois.The Act, as amended, defines a real estate “broker” as an individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, or registered limited liability partnership other than a real estate salesperson or leasing agent who, whether in person or through any media or technology, for another and for compensation, or with intention or expectation of receiving compensation, either directly or indirectly:(1) Sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real estate.(2) Offers to sell, exchange, purchase, rent, or lease real estate.(3) Negotiates, offers, attempts, or agrees to negotiate the sale, exchange, purchase, rental, or leasing of real estate.(4) Lists, offers, attempts, or agrees to list real estate for sale, lease, or exchange.(5) Buys, sells, offers to buy or sell, or otherwise deals in options on real estate or improvements thereon.(6) Supervises the collection, offer, attempt, or agreement to collect rent for the use of real estate.(7) Advertises or represents himself or herself as being engaged in the business of buying, selling, exchanging, renting, or leasing real estate.(8) Assists or directs in procuring or referring of leads or prospects, intended to result in the sale, exchange, lease, or rental of real estate.(9) Assists or directs in the negotiation of any transaction intended to result in the sale, exchange, lease, or rental of real estate.(10) Opens real estate to the public for marketing purposes.(11) Sells, leases, or offers for sale or lease real estate at auction.

An interesting tidbit is the publications and instructions from the IRS are not the tax code, these are writings on how the IRS would prefer you interpret the tax code.

Look at the zoning and make sure your zoning is LR1, LR2 or LR3.In Ballard, you need to know how far you are from public transportation (better to be 1/4 or less away) as this will affect your parking requirements and FAR.

I would also hire a public adjustor.

If it doesnt work, Google "Reliant Bill Estimator"https://www.reliant.com/public/moveBillEstimator.htm#.VsypAfkrJhH

However, the market is contrary to public opinion (at least right now;  recall info on the economy and money is very time sensitive).According to Lorenzo Tanos of ModernReader.com: on 28-02-2016 he comments:Mortgage rates KEEP going down

You may get your face in front of the public but once they click on your name if there's nothing there they're going to move on.