@Florence Oxenham, In light of a recent California Supreme Court ruling admitting an ILLEGAL immigrant to the California bar to practice law, I suspect the same will have to be true for all other state licensed professionals and immigration status should no longer be a factor... http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/03/us/immigrant-in-us-illegally-may-practice-law-california-court-rules.html?

For example, maybe the property is pretty rural so it has a high protection class, or maybe it has a woodstove that wasn't professionally installed - but I did it, and I'm sure I know what I'm doing.

I would talk to a professional but good umbrella/liability insurance should substantially reduce your risk if you purchase without an llc.

Partially, to make the point that there are always those deals that do NOT fall in the realm of 'typical'.I recently rehabbed a house that I bought from a Professional Flipper who I have supplied cabinets and counter tops to (my day job) for many years.

I would always submit in a professional matter and I would also be apologetic once they start going nuts heheAll you have to do is be patient and wait until you snag the bargain.

Yes, you guessed it, I'm an engineer too.But your area near downtown Atlanta will have other market segments on which you could focus: University staff, young professionals, grad students.

“Interior design professionals once ruled the roost, but that’s all changed with design TV, blogs, and the internet.

I know the basics well but now I 'm looking for the specifics you can only learn from a professional investor in real world situations.

I am a DIY'er thru and thru, but totally respect and see a need for professional contractor services as well in many instances.

This is what I typically tell people with a heavy emphasis on consulting their tax professional.