I have the nonrefundable fee in there to ensure I am dealing with a legit buyer and not another wholesaler who wants to daisy chain this property. 

Olivia,Most investment professionals, brokers, advisors, and even CFP's are paid only on commissions and fees generated from managing a portfolio of securities. 

Your time here will be well spent.Since you expressed an interest in multifamily units, I added a couple links below for your review.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/07/19/how-to-buy-a-duplex/ (guide to buying a duplex) https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/16/how-to-choose-areas-multifamily-deals/ (Choosing multi-family deals)Now that you have made the move, below are some links that will help with the navigation of the site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

I'm hoping to purchase in Jersey City, NJ and am looking for recommendations for the following:- RE Tax advisor: ensure I'm doing everything I can to maximize my tax situation regarding the purchase and operation.- RE attorney: discuss whether or not forming a series LLC is right for me.- Financial Planner: Again, just want to make sure I'm doing everything right.I'd appreciate any recommendations you may have for people you've worked with that you like and who understand the specifics of RE investing.

You file for eviction as soon as it's legally allowed, which is probably as soon as it's late.Also, you need to ensure that there isn't a maximum late fee you can charge.

Your time here will be well spent.Since you expressed an interest in wholesaling and flips, I added guides and podcasts below to help increase your knowledge of these niches.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/10/09/getting-started-real-estate-wholesaler/ (BP Podcast 091 Wholesaling)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/10/31/wholesaling-podcast-mike-nelson/ (BP Podcast 042 - wholesaling)Now that you have made the move, below are some links that will help with the navigation of the site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

DON'T make these types a partner for yourself, lest you subject yourself and your finances to great and terrible risk.5) Tax implications - understand the formation of the LLC in Tennessee(you said you are looking at Memphis), how business 'flow through' income works for partnerships in corporations, and also learn which types of income are subject to social security tax vs.  

It will sort of delay the investment process but secure you your first property in the mean time. 

You must take risks, but, ensure that they are calculated risks.Below are some links to get you started. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/rules https://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Hi Tory,If you will be lending and securing the loan out of state, the law of the state where you are securing the loan would most likely apply, but I'm sure there are exceptions to this.I would think that you need to check for the laws in Massachusetts also.In California and in other states, but not all, you must be a licensed to secure loans with real estate, there are probably exceptions to this rule.If you secure loans with real estate in California with a licensed broker, the loan is exempt from usury laws, again, there are exceptions to this rule like lending less than 30k in senior position (or less than 20k in junior position) and there is something that attorneys talk about regarding charging an unconscionable rate but that would be getting way too detailed...Another important consideration is that if the proceeds of the loan are used for personal use or if the collateral will be owner occupied, then that triggers a bunch of other regulations, this is why most hard money lenders only lender for non owner occupy business purpose.