Dave Ramsey always recommends people only own rentals free and clear, but he is hyper-cautious on every issue relating to debt...that's his schtick.On the other hand, there are people who say you should always have all your properties leveraged to the hilt so that if a tenant tries to sue you, their lawyer will see that there is no money to be gained and give up.

I am meeting with my lawyer in the morning to sort through this mess.For as much of a mess this is, I am looking forward to getting knee deep in new information.

Used incorrectly and several more lawyers have new clients.Please consult a qualified professional (Disclaimer: I am not but have likewaise spoken to several - lawyers, accountants and financial pros).

@Chris GrantClint Coons is a lawyer specializing in real estate in Tacoma:  http://andersonadvisors.com/anderson_advisors/

It's my understanding (not a lawyer, so no legal advice) that you'd need to seriously document any personal labor you do to insure it's over and above normal wear and tear.

Go through small claims court so no need for a lawyer.

Just a bummer getting letter in mail from injury lawyer.

I've heard transferring the properties to the corp can be a PITA.Yes, I know I need to find a good tax lawyer, but I'd like to go in know all I can.

We are mainly in two court systems for evictions the Cleveland court and the Parma court which handles the city of Parma and several other Cleveland suburbs.In Parma court we have been able to bring uncashed money orders for partial payment, or sometimes full payment (If we file the eviction with our lawyer your out even if you attempt to pay in full later) and have been able to win the eviction and walk out of there with the money we were holding as damages.This would NEVER fly in the Cleveland court.

You are mingling the credit of several entities together and it's a great way for a savvy lawyer to say that NONE of the entities are separate from each other and, if it's a personal credit card, that it's all just you.If you are not going to get a separate credit card for each entity, then here's how you handle this.