This has happened numerous times before, and since I am out of state I trust them to be my boots on the ground.

At that time her heirs will get a step up in tax basis thereby paying less or zero taxes.I would secure your Option with a mortgage or a deed of trust so the heirs can't screw you over in the future. 

Is there another way for the PML to be more secure than a 2nd position, as in...can you form an LLC or privacy trust you and your PML own together so we're on the deed together?

If you have a recommendation on law firm who can handle land trust subject to transactions would love an intro.

Which brings up another point I've been wondering about- with a 2nd home loan, does it have to be in my name as a "personal vacation home" or can it still be under an LLC/Land Trust for protection purposes? 

Hey everyone,I have pieces in place to purchase my first property, but need someone I can trust to get the job done and be my boots on the ground.

I know a contractor can make or break this entire thing and I'm looking for someone I can trust to be on time and do good work at a fair price.

On the other hand if you find an investor-friendly agent/lender who you trust then they’ll help you analyze the deals too so I would find your team first then go for it. 

Just need to trust your boots on the ground team as well to let you know if it's in a good area 

And when something is confusing or overwhelming, it is our natural tendency to turn away from it. 6) BUSINESS SETUP - separate bank account, decide on LLC/personal name/trust, and also acquire some good software for deal analysis in your area7) ANALYZE DEALS - as opportunities come in, analyze them.