Bloomberg wrote about Sam Zell, famous value investor, in a May, 2010 article, “Zell’s Firm Raising $500 Million for Brazil Propertyâ€: “Billionaire investor Sam Zell’s Equity International is seeking to raise about $500 million to step up investment in Brazilian real estate, betting interest rate increases will fail to stem demand as the economy grows at the fastest pace in two decades.

Is there value in setting up an LLC, you bet, but don't think it will save you from plaintiff's attorneys.

I painted the whole interior in 2 days with the help of a friend.If you can do it yourself save that money.If you cannot do it yourself, my suggestion is to quote with different people and go with the best bet.

I did one next to a sports stadium recently.

Discount brokerages are probably your best bet.

If you do not have a lot of real estate experience then your best bet is to work with a local realtor who specializes in developmental and/or commercial properties.

Sure there is risk but an educated investor weighs them and decides how to bet.

But even so—I think condos are a better bet in the short-to-medium term. 

Housing, mobile home parks, self storage and industrial are good bets moving forward but you definitely want to steer clear of office and retail REITS 

Times were different when I was pre-18 but I remember getting a credit card at 14 without my parents having any idea, no clue how it worked out but I bet I wouldn't have been able to swing it today!