Why would you want to take the time and effort to learn accounting and bookkeeping best practices? It can mean the difference between the life or death of your business. As a real estate investor, your accounting practices provide you with a valuable snapshot of the health of your business, expenses, and possible avenues of […]

Charitable giving is a popular strategy among the wealthy for diminishing their tax payments. But this strategy doesn't just have to be for the Michael Dells and Kim Kardashians of the world. Wouldn't you like to reduce your taxable income and save money too? Intelligent real estate investors, just like you, can use charitable giving […]

No one likes thinking about their death. But the only thing worse than your death is leaving behind a complicated legal mess for your family. As a responsible real estate investor, you should commit to estate planning to avoid probate court; and the headache probate brings. This article doesn't cover all the myriad aspects of estate […]

Paying taxes isn’t fun. It’s a pain. The pain is why most real estate investors jump at opportunities to earn tax-free income using the Augusta Rule. The Augusta Rule, or IRS Section 280A, applied to the residents of Augusta, Georgia, who would rent out their homes to attendees of the golf tournament. Do you want to […]

Getting solid insurance for real estate investors is a pain. It's time-consuming and confusing. Most investors struggle to juggle multiple carriers and policies. Does that sound like you? You're in the right place. I'll show you a way for you to streamline the insurance process, how it works in your asset protection plan, common issues […]

Your Return on Investment (ROI) is the most vital metric to measure success. When you invest in real estate, you may be able to achieve total ROI with a Solo 401K. Do strategic investments with high returns interest you? Then you're in precisely the right place. This article will cover investing in real estate using […]

Are you considering selling an inherited house with your siblings? Dealing with the death of a parent or guardian is an emotional period, complicated by the administrative and legal tasks that go hand-in-hand with death. If you're inheriting a house with siblings, there are also financial and sentimental challenges to navigate. Many families opt for […]

Your network is your net worth. To grow your network is to increase your net worth. Our CEO, Scott Royal Smith, reminds our clients that their network IS their net worth. You can find many success gurus and experts who have similar beliefs. Entrepreneur, author, and speaker Porter Gale, author of "Your Network Is Your […]

Let's discuss what's happening with the cost of goods and how you can navigate historically high inflation with low-interest rates.  We recently held a Royal Investing Group Mentorship with Ron Galloway, an expert financial researcher with 35 years of experience to answer the inflation question. Galloway has been featured in The New York Times, CNN, CNBC, and […]

Suppose you want to invest in real estate but don't want to personally oversee or manage the investment. In that case, you might want to diversify with real estate syndication. Ideally, a real estate syndication would provide you with the benefits of real estate investment, and you wouldn't have to worry about personally being a […]

Have you ever wondered how about judgment enforcement on non-paying tenants? Or maybe you want to know what your options are other than evicting someone and putting them out on the street? If so, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn more about: what judgment enforcement is your options if a tenant stops […]

How do I maintain operational anonymity after a structure is in place? Maintaining operational anonymity isn’t easy, which is why most real estate investors worry about being the target of a lawsuit, regardless of the protection in place. Does this sound like you? You’ve made it to the right place. In this article, we’ll explain: […]

Are you a self-employed real estate investor? If so, the solo 401K may be the best option for you. The solo 401K is an IRS-approved retirement plan that enables you to minimize your tax burden. Read on to learn more about how this tax strategy works and how you can offset losses with a solo 401K […]

By Ron Galloway, Researcher, Finance and Healthcare Expert One area of investing that has taken off in the last few years is socially aware investing due to the dual influences of the environmental movement and the sustainability movement. Most people don't think of carbon emissions as an investment, but they are. And this is accomplished […]

Are you ready to grow your real estate business? To do that, you need a solid tax savings strategy. You already know that there are considerable advantages to investing in real estate. The passive income, substantial tax savings, and long-term security most likely drew you to real estate investing. Real estate investing is the first […]

Asset protection isn't easy, especially if you are a California-based real estate investor. The good news for you is that LLCs aren't your only option. A Wyoming Statutory Trust, for example. Using LLCs is a last resort for the California investor when looking for comprehensive asset protection. The $800 per year franchise taxes probably make […]

Are you fed up with paying taxes on your hard-earned real estate profit? Are excessive taxes preventing you from securing your financial freedom as a real estate investor? If so, you should read further to learn more about the 1031 Exchange update for 2022. As a savvy real estate investor, you can use this little-known […]

Here is your ultimate guide to estate management and a list of things you should do to get started. As a savvy real estate investor, you know that you don't have to be ultra-wealthy to need estate planning. Your estate includes everything you all own. Protecting your assets for future generations makes estate planning worthwhile. […]

As a real estate investor, you have to contend with mortgage payments, repair and maintenance, insurance, and other myriad fees. On top of all of those fees, you still have to pay tons of taxes—capital gains, net income investment, and income. Sometimes, it’s hard to carve out profitability, and you want to have all the […]

Whether you are an experienced real estate investor or building a new real estate business, asset protection & financial freedom have to be on your mind. Scott Smith, Royal Legal’s founder, and lead attorney, recently sat down with real estate investor Whitney Sewell to discuss Asset Protection for Financial Freedom. This informative discussion covered the importance […]

Are you ready for year-end tax preparation? It's hard to believe that there are only a few days left between you and 2022. As 2021 ends and you forge your path forward into 2022, you must undertake some housekeeping to close out 2021 and start 2022 in the best position possible as a real estate […]

You've chosen a life partner and are married. You may be asking yourself, is it wise to make my spouse my business partner? The answer could be yes. You would want to be sure to have a game plan in place. Good communication would also be necessary to balance the commitments of your marriage and […]

Some might think that ‘millennial real estate investors’ sounds like a contradiction in terms. Until recently, this generation was happy to rent because of substantial student debt and the desire for flexibility in changing jobs. Millennials also waited longer than previous generations before getting married and starting families. However, current trends show more millennials have […]

Keep potential lawsuits at bay by viewing the rental property asset protection checklist we have prepared for you. By doing so, you’ll be able to protect your assets without worry or distraction. The following checklist recommends some protective measures you can take for your real estate investments, cash, other assets, and financial future: Anonymous Land […]

Do you want to learn how to get started with multifamily property investing? If you’re ready to expand your investment portfolio to include this niche, continue reading for tips from seasoned investors. In this article, you will discover fundamental lessons in multifamily property investing, including: Class C properties risks and rewards The importance of investing […]

Blockchain in real estate has the potential to revolutionize the industry. Historically, real estate transactions could not occur using purely digital means. Overwhelmingly, real estate transactions take place face-to-face between buyers, sellers, and various intermediaries, but blockchain has the potential to change real estate investing as we know it. An unknown person or group of […]

Are you currently considering starting a real estate investing journey? Real estate investing makes people wealthy. Of the 400 richest Americans, 24 made their money on real estate investments. At one time, they were like you--starting as a novice real estate investing professional. Below we have compiled some of the opportunities and challenges you may encounter […]

If you're considering a real estate investing startup, you may be wondering where you can get the capital to fund your first deal. Read below to find out about some of the many options available to you. 1. Conventional Loan The most frequent type of mortgage is a conventional loan. You make a down payment, […]

In this article: Real estate market influencers Real estate investment predictions for 2022 This is a follow-up article to one we published earlier this year: Real Estate Markets & Coronavirus: Construction & Home Buying In a Post-Pandemic World. The real estate market constantly changes. One factor that exacerbated the volatility of the market was the […]

Beginning on October 3rd, 2021, a document dump dubbed the Pandora Papers was released involving nearly 12 million pieces of evidence by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). More than 600 journalists from 150 news outlets contributed to the investigation. Information contained therein exposed a global network of powerful financial interests and raised questions about the […]

Do you want to buy or sell real estate properties? Using a land trust is a good idea because it protects your interests. A land trust is a legal entity that holds a title to real property in a name other than its own. Owning real estate is an excellent way to make money. But […]

A land trust is a legal entity that is designed to protect the land from creditors. It does this by keeping land out of the owner's name and placing it in the land trust's name. Real estate investors have used these structures since the late 1800s when investors bought the land up left and right. […]

Business travel expenses add up quickly and negatively impact your cash flow. Losing money to taxes and other unforeseen circumstances makes being a real estate investor demanding sometimes. Safeguarding your venture has to be one of your top priorities. Do you want to make sure your real estate investing business is protected? Start with our investor […]

You are taking the first step to financial freedom–you have started your own real estate investment business. After researching the next step, you've decided to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC). That's a good idea because an LLC provides some personal liability protection if your business is sued. You care about protecting your assets. Do you want […]

Short-term rentals are experiencing a big boom. Let's explore what's causing this trend, how long it could last, and how it may impact current regulations. Finally, we'll reflect on what this means for your real estate investing business. You might discover that short-term rentals are a lucrative fit for expanding your current real estate portfolio. […]

You want to protect your assets, and you want to protect your wealth. Cost segregation is a form of wealth protection, as discussed in the video below. Cost segregation is a tax strategy available to the following: investment property owners owners of properties used to operate a business This strategy creates an income tax benefit […]

Raising rent is a touchy subject. On July 31st, 2021, the eviction moratorium and rent freeze ended in the United States. The pandemic hurt the economy and made the subject of raising rent uncomfortable. Good tenants are hard to come by. When we have good tenants, it's tough to raise the rent. After all, you […]

You've decided to take the plunge and invest in real estate. We've put together this overview as a beginner's guide to real estate investing. Your main goal is to make your money work for you today to have increased cash in the future. The money you make in the future is called your profit, or […]

Getting sued is every real estate investor’s worst nightmare. Running your own real estate business can be rewarding, but it’s also inherently risky. You put your money, time, and dreams on the line to make it a success, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Any number of things can happen, and it’s nearly impossible […]

Creating a sole proprietorship is simple. Filing taxes for a self-owned small business is pretty easy as well. But it also means your business is in YOUR name. That might be fine today. It might be fine tomorrow. But down the line? Take real estate investors, for example. If a renter sues you, all of […]

What are prohibited transactions? If you don’t know, and you’re the owner of a self-directed (or “Solo”) 401(k) or self-directed (Solo) Roth IRA, you could end up in serious legal trouble. In short, a "disqualified" person is anyone who directly benefits from any activity that occurs inside of a self-directed retirement account. The Self-Directed IRA […]

One of the first decisions you have to make as a small business owner (and yes, a real estate agent is a small business owner!) is how to structure your new venture.  A business structure dictates how you operate, the tax guidelines you have to follow, and what kind of legal protection you have if […]

The time value of money represents how much more valuable one dollar will be tomorrow than it is today.  It’s a bit more complicated than that (as we’ll see), but for now just understand that real estate investing follows this same principle—and investors all too often forget it. Thanks to inflation, prices today are lower […]

Scott Smith, Royal Legal’s founder, and lead attorney, recently sat down with real estate investor J. Darrin Gross to discuss tax-free investing on Gross’s Commercial Real Estate Pro Network Podcast.  The delightful discussion covered not only the possibilities of tax-free investing in real estate but also how real estate investors can protect their assets. You […]

Every real estate investor or business owner knows that taxes take up a big chunk of profit and earnings from investment income and capital gains. Understanding how the tax system and tax brackets work may help you reduce your tax burden and liabilities. As a real estate investor, you may be able to minimize income […]

Effectively managing income taxes as a real estate investor shouldn’t leave you feeling overwhelmed. If you understand how the tax system works, you can find ways to reduce your tax burdens and liabilities.  A basic feature of our tax system is its progressive nature, which places individuals into different tax brackets based on gross income.  […]

Estate planning should be on any investor’s “to-do” list, especially the real estate investor. The steps you take now can ensure that your investments will be passed to your family members and chosen heirs according to your wishes—not how the probate court decides. In this article, we'll examine the living trust and the will, explain […]

Whether you are the landlord of a single-family rental or you own a share in a large apartment building, it’s essential to know how to classify this activity at tax time.  Are you an investor or a business owner? In this article, we’ll examine the distinction between the two and how qualifying as a business […]

Launching a new real estate business is an exciting and rewarding way to build your path to financial freedom.  However, as with any business, you have to pay taxes (womp womp). And a primary way that state and federal governments keep track of what you owe in taxes is with identification numbers. One of the […]

Making money as a landlord is hard.  As a real estate investor, you have to deal with zoning, regulations, bookkeeping, advertising, online marketing, showings, no-shows, bounced checks, late payments, and the fun of fixing a broken toilet on Christmas eve.  Keeping the money is even harder.  You are constantly spending money on maintenance and repairs, […]

There are a few ways to get started in the real estate biz. Investors who have a capital to invest in the beginning might consider flipping houses or buying properties to rent out. For those who don't, there is another, less traditional way to get started ... One that doesn't require a lot of money. […]

For decades, many people have thought they could only invest their retirement accounts on Wall Street. Most Wall Street IRA custodians only allow you to invest in stocks, bonds, annuities, mutual funds, and CDs. The problem is that these traditional investments only make up a fraction of the profitable assets you can purchase for investment […]

Have you ever considered investing in mobile home parks?  If not, why?  Mobile home investing is largely overlooked by real estate investors. We tend to prefer single-family homes, multifamily units or other kinds of commercial real estate. But mobile home (aka manufactured housing) parks can be profitable assets—in part BECAUSE they are often overlooked by […]

The sad truth is that every year, we have to file and pay our taxes. While it definitely is a pain in the neck, it can also be an opportunity to evaluate your financial progress for the year. The goal for taxes is almost always to maximize your deductions while minimizing taxes, but often this […]

Real estate investors are always looking for ways to minimize risk while maximizing profit. One way that they can do this is to transfer title to their property from their personal name to protect themselves.  A property transfer service helps real estate investors move their properties into corporate structures (such as a Series LLC or […]

If you're a Canadian citizen interested in investing in property or other business ventures in the U.S., an E-2 visa is not the only way you can do so. However, there are advantages to obtaining an E-2 visa if you can qualify.  The E-2 visa allows people from other countries (including Canada), to enter legally […]

Internal rate of return (IRR) and return on investment (ROI) are two critical performance metrics for real estate investors. But do you understand the difference? They both offer ways of quantifying how well your investment is doing, but IRR is the one that is often under-appreciated and misunderstood. In this article, we’ll show you why […]

“Subject-To” mortgages are going to be a defining feature of the post-COVID real estate market, and here’s why… As of April, roughly 2.5 million homes are in forbearance, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. That means that they’ve entered an agreement with their lender to delay foreclosure. Due to restrictions set up during COVID to limit […]

Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a term known to all Americans, but even smart real estate investors we work with don't always understand how they work. It all starts with understanding the role of the Self-Directed IRA custodian. An IRA must be established by a bank, financial institution, or authorized trust company.  Which means only […]

Crypto is blowing up. And traditional retirement accounts simply aren't equipped to handle the excitement. Cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum) are a popular alternative to government-backed currency—especially if you want to conduct transactions quickly and anonymously. The global crypto market cap has been more than $2 trillion for much of 2021 so far. The […]

How will you accomplish financial freedom through real estate investing?  Start by thinking where in the U.S. you’ll be investing, what type of asset you want to hold, and how you’ll form the relationships you need to make foreign investments. Once you’re ready to make your first real estate investment in the U.S. the question […]

Are you a Canadian investor with an eye on the red-hot U.S. real estate markets?  If you are, break out the Tylenol, because complicated legal and tax issues can give you a headache before you’ve even started! Our lead attorney, Scott Smith, recently met with Canadian real estate investing coach David Dubeau to discuss the […]

Are you a Canadian real estate investor looking to buy property in the United States? Canadians investing in the United States don’t usually think about the ugly prospect of litigation. But it's something you should take into account. “The U.S. is a very litigious country,” says Scott Smith, lead attorney at Royal Legal Solutions. “That’s […]

There’s another Gold Rush happening in the United States real estate market, and Canadian investors are getting in on the action. Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package in March (which followed relief packages going back to the start of the pandemic) gave Americans a bit of relief, and many of them put the extra […]

A Self-Directed IRA LLC is an IRS-approved tax structure that allows you to personally manage your retirement account without having to pay a custodian. It also offers several other benefits, such as ease of access and tax-free profits. Self Directed IRA LLCs vs. Traditional IRAs A Self-Directed IRA LLC allows you to take control of […]

Business trusts can allow you to safely and inexpensively manage your Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA).  With typical IRAs, you’re at the mercy of the "custodian" (the financial institution that manages your investment). With a Self-Directed IRA business trust or LLC, you get access to different types of alternative investments (including real estate), that you otherwise wouldn’t […]

Should you hold all of your properties in your own name, put all of your properties under a single LLC, or create separate LLCs for each rental property? Are there any other ways to set up your company structure? When it comes to asset protection, there’s really no question: there are benefits of creating an […]

What are the benefits of selling real estate “as-is”? If you’re a real estate investor, you need to know what “as-is,” means. Having an “as-is” clause in a real estate contract could potentially save you from many litigation issues down the line. What are the benefits of this type of real estate deal? What are […]

Bitcoin is constantly making headlines. We're getting a little sick of hearing about it, to be totally honest. As Bitcoin becomes mainstream, we hear stories of the crypto-savvy investor buying Bitcoin in its early years and becoming a millionaire. Which leaves more investors asking, “Why not me?” In 2021, IRA investors are increasingly diversifying with […]

When you are selling real estate, you want to get the best possible price.  Duh. In a red-hot seller’s market, that’s usually not a problem. But what about when the market starts to cool down? A bump clause is a way a seller can continue to market a property until the buyer satisfies a specific […]

When you're starting a business, you have to think about the boring stuff. There are legal decisions to make. There are forms to complete. Although the paperwork can seem overwhelming, these documents are essential to keeping your operation running smoothly. One of the common questions new small business owners have concerns articles of information vs. […]

Having a sound financial plan makes sense for your future and your family's future.  You may be young. You may be new to real estate investing. But estate plans aren’t just for the wealthy; nor are they for those who are close to retirement.  Estate planning is for anyone who wants to lead a secure […]

The national eviction moratorium is set to end this month. Are you ready? Because when it does, courts will be flooded with evictions. And if you know anything about bureaucracy, you know that clogged courts mean evictions will take much longer to process. Pending evictions will be backlogged. New evictions will be delayed as well. […]

A growing number of Canadians are getting into the U.S. real estate investment game. According to the National Association of Realtors, Canadian buyers spent $9.5 billion on U.S. residential property purchases during the 12-month period between April 2019 and March 2020. This means that Canada only trails China in the worldwide rankings of foreign investments […]

Have you heard about the real estate Gold Rush that's about to happen? If not, let me fill you in. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic created a global economic recession, real estate values have skyrocketed. In fact, between September 2019 and September 2020, it’s estimated that property owners gained $1 trillion of equity in their […]

Any experienced investor knows that diversifying real estate investments is key to long-term success. Many real estate investors get started with single-family homes (SFH) because the market is more accessible than commercial real estate or multi-family properties. This is a natural first step, but it shouldn’t be the last. Expanding your portfolio to include different […]

We’ve all heard of horror stories about the dog owner who had to go to court because his/her dog bit a child at the park or snapped at the pizza delivery guy. These cases can often elicit strong emotions. Dog lovers can empathize with the dog owner, whose otherwise gentle furry friend is maligned as […]

If you’ve been hit by financial hardship, filing for bankruptcy can offer you a way out of crippling debt. Bankruptcy is a court proceeding that can allow businesses or individuals freedom from their debts while also providing creditors an opportunity for repayment. However, before you make this move, it’s essential for you to understand how […]

Although relief available through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the CARES Act may have kept them afloat for a while, many businesses and individual investors continue to experience the economic fallout caused by the pandemic. Chapter 11 filings were up about 20 percent in February 2021 over the same month in 2020, and because […]

Declining property values and the travel and business shut-downs during the pandemic have played havoc with the balance sheets of many real estate investors. When faced with red ink, some individuals opt to liquidate their assets, while others prefer to negotiate with their creditors. One way to negotiate a debt obligation is with a workout […]

It doesn't matter if you're just starting out or have been investing in real estate for a while; protecting your assets is vital. If you live in California, you might be considering creating an LLC in California to protect your investments. However, not only can the process of forming a California LLC be cumbersome and […]

If you're a real estate investor, it's no secret that taxes are an essential part of your business. But did you know there are actually some tax benefits to owning property? That's right - not only is real estate investing an exciting and profitable way to cultivate wealth, but it can also help you pay […]

The Roth IRA 5-year rule sounds like it is far from the sexiest topic in the world. However, if you invest in a Roth IRA, it’s crucial that you understand it unless you’re cool with paying extra taxes. You’re not? We didn’t think so. Following the 5-year rule when taking funds out of your Roth […]

If you're a real estate investor, you should be aware of how the tax code and the way you structure your business will affect how much money Uncle Sam takes from your bank account. For example, the IRS has a lot to say about your Limited Liability Company (LLC) and how taxes for an LLC […]

Actor Tom Selleck (Magnum, P.I.) is the latest celebrity shilling for them on television. Maybe you have an older family member or neighbor who has gotten a phone call from a financial institution offering them. But what are reverse mortgages and how do they work? If you are a senior homeowner with most of your […]

Small business owners take a lot of risks to be successful. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? But risks can create stress. Dealing with difficult customers, and worrying about employees all contribute to the headaches. Even a self-employed real estate investor who doesn't have "customers" or "employees" has a ton of problems to keep him or […]

Independent contractors and real estate investors love S corporations (S corps). That because an S corp provides significant advantages over sole proprietorships or traditional corporations—both in terms of limited liability and reduced taxation. Introduction to S Corporations An S corp is not a separate type of business entity. Rather, it is a designated tax status […]

When it comes to being self-employed, it can feel like the deck is stacked against you.  Gig workers and independent contractors don’t have the benefit of an employer-sponsored 401k plan or retirement contribution matching program. It can be tough to set aside 15-20% of your income to pay your own payroll and Social Security taxes, […]

In this article, we’ll teach you how to calculate cash-on-cash return—and why it’s one of the most important calculations for real estate investors. Much of the real estate industry, including investors and agents, use this formula (sometimes called the equity dividend rate) as a quick way to analyze an investment’s cash flow. More specifically, it […]

Thinking about selling a rental property? There are a few things you should know before you do.  For one, the capital gains tax on a rental property is much steeper than it is on a primary residence.  Also, when it comes to a tenant-occupied property, the process is a little more complicated. Your tenant, after […]

As alluring as owning a real estate investment company may seem, those beautiful profits always come with a few risks. To minimize those risks, you have to set up a limited liability company (LLC). These corporate structures, paired with the right legal tools, give your business a basic level of personal liability protection, asset protection […]

One of the best ways to build wealth is with rental properties. And one of the first things new real estate investors need to learn about is how to calculate rental property cash flow. Running a profitable investing business depends on it. In fact, I can spot a new investor a mile away. These guys […]

Don’t worry about Solo 401(k) compliance. Let our experts do it for you. A Solo 401(k) can be a clever and efficient way to save for retirement. But what many plan owners don’t consider is the importance of their plan’s compliance with law and regulation. Fortunately, Royal Legal Solutions can handle this for you. You […]

Get more control of your retirement plan, your investments and your real estate assets. WHY USE ROYAL LEGAL SOLUTIONS? We have experience in setting up the best asset protection structures and making them easy for an investor to use. Our system keeps things simple while making sure your needs are met. With the Self-Directed IRA […]

A Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT) is a specific type of irrevocable trust that allows you to remove your primary residence or another personal home from your taxable estate. While creating can be a QPRT complicated process, doing so lets you avoid estate taxes and reduce the amount of gift taxes you have to pay. […]

Anyone who is interested in commercial real estate investing should have at least a rudimentary understanding of how the real estate sponsorship process works. Before you invest in a development project, it’s vital that you properly vet the sponsor to make sure they have the necessary experience to lead a successful commercial real estate project. […]

One of my favorite things about real estate investing is that there are so many different ways you can do it. As one of the most accessible types of investments for the average Joe (or Jolene), real estate investing offers a variety of exciting strategies to explore. If you take the time to learn about […]

If your company was formed in one state and does business in another, you may need foreign registration. Go West … Or North, or South, or East … But complete a Foreign Registration before doing business. Foreign Registration, also called out-of-state registration, is the process required for a company formed under the laws of one […]

Clearly lay out all of the responsibilities a property management company is taking on for you. Real estate investors can prevent misunderstandings and protect themselves with clear, professional property management agreements. If you have multiple properties or properties that aren’t close to home, you need management help. Make sure the people helping you have clear, […]

Also known as a certificate of existence or a certificate of authorization, a Certificate of Good Standing is a vital document for any business. Without one, you’re going to have a tough time. There’s a framework of regulations aimed at ensuring companies meet certain minimum standards before transacting business. For the most part, business owners […]

Make yourself an unattractive target for lawsuits and creditors with equity stripping. As real estate investors, one key issue for protecting our assets is making sure we have very little or no equity exposed to the world. Why? Quite simply, the equity in a property is what can be seized and sold off in the […]

For Complete Protection You Must Have A Properly Drafted Deed Transferred Into An Series LLC Structure Our property transfer service helps real estate investors move their investment properties into new corporate structures. Whether you have a property you need to get out of your personal name, are acquiring a new property, or wish to transfer […]

If you own an LLC or Series LLC, chances are that you may need to handle an Assignment of Interest. There are a wide variety of situations where assigning all or part of the interest of a company can benefit the business as a whole. How this process looks is governed by state law as […]

Joint Ventures have been dramatically increasing in popularity since the 2009 recession. A Joint Venture Agreement is a partnership agreement. In the context of an LLC, it is known as an Operating Agreement. Details about how profits and losses are divided, who controls the operations of the LLC, and which rights and responsibilities are designated […]

Everyone has a vision for their retirement, but planning how to fund your post-work years is a puzzle that too many people fail to solve. You already know about the individual retirement account (IRA), which lets you make tax-deferred investments in mutual funds, stocks and bonds. Typically, someone else (a custodian) manages those investments. But if […]

Asset protection is a crucial component of financial planning for any real estate investor. There are many tools you can use to keep your property out of the clutches of creditors and would-be-litigants, and we’ve talked about some of them a lot on this site. While Land Trusts, Series LLCs, and anonymous trusts are some […]

Most serious real estate investors eventually consider filing for incorporation to make their business legit. While the process can be complicated, it’s well worth the effort to protect your assets through incorporation. Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of starting a corporation, it’s important to keep in mind that incorporation is only one option for […]

I work with savvy real estate investors day in, day out to give them strategies to protect their hard-earned moolah from Uncle Sam’s clutches. One tactic many of them overlook is the Section 179 property deduction. With this write-off, you can deduct the total value of certain types of property instead of having to depreciate […]

There are two short answers to the title question: yes, and hell yes. But don't just take our word for it. Passthrough LLC income is a hot topic in the investment community. If you're not sure what that means, you're not alone. Read on to learn about what exactly passthrough income is, how it impacts […]

If you’re interested in any of the following, you’ll need an an Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number: Opening a checking and savings account (or doing any kind of banking). Opening a retirement account. Hiring employees for your business. The Internal Revenue Service issues IENs for corporations and partnerships to properly […]

Thinking about buying real estate with your IRA? Read this before you do. An individual retirement account (IRA) typically offers massive tax-saving benefits while you’re planning for your retirement, like tax-deferred growth or tax-free withdrawals after a certain age—and they can even allow you to lower your taxable income. So, naturally, just about every personal […]

It’s a common cliché among investors that we are our own worst enemies. While it’s true that some investors shoot themselves in the foot by jumping on a bandwagon that’s headed for a cliff, another cliché to keep in mind is to never put all your real estate investment eggs in one basket. We tend […]

Understanding Your Risk in a Joint Venture (JV) Partnership Joint Ventures in real estate investing are pretty common. Most of these partnerships are created by placing a property into an LLC and having the partners all own a portion of that LLC. If anyone wants to sue you or your partner they will not be […]

Businesses pay taxes. It is a truth as old as time. However, how a business entity pays taxes vary. For many, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires them to file for an employer identification number (EIN). The EIN, also referred to as a taxpayer identification number (TIN), is a unique number assigned by the IRS […]

Land has always held value in the United States, and if you have a clear deed to real estate property, you may be able to use it as collateral for a loan. In this article, we'll examine the steps a borrower needs to take to obtain loans against a land deed. There can be a […]

Real estate investors were thrown a few curveballs last year, to say the least. The stress and uncertainty of 2020 motivated a lot of you to stop procrastinating and get your financial affairs in order. Trust me ... Financial planners and asset protection attorneys have been working overtime. On top of an unprecedented global pandemic, […]

Changing careers? Deciding what to do with retirement funds is going to be a primary concern. While there are a number of options available, many choose to roll these funds over into an Individual Retirement Account. There are a number of good reasons for this, and we'll be looking at seven of them here in […]

A rental property appraisal will tell you exactly how much the property is worth to the average buyer or investor in the current market. In part one of this article, we talked about why rental property owners need an appraisal, how much an appraisal typically costs, and what the appraiser looks for when they’re on […]

What are rental property appraisals and how do they affect your business? A rental property appraisal is when a certified appraiser determines the exact market value of your rental property: how much the property is worth to the average buyer or investor in the current market. In this article (and in part two, which you […]

Should rental property be in an LLC or trust? Unfortunately, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think. Whether you’re planning your will or setting up a company to manage your growing real estate portfolio, you need to know exactly what type of entity you should use to shield your properties from legal […]

In this article, we’ll talk about how to name a trust. It’s an often overlooked—but important—part of setting up a trust. Think of  trust as a set of directions for how to handle certain assets. You can control when, where, and to whom they’re distributed. A trustee, an individual or institution, typically handles the distribution […]

It is said that change is the only constant thing in life. And while this saying has fallen into the realm of overuse, it remains true today. So how does this affect your estate planning? When planning, it will do you well to account for all eventualities that may occur. One of the ways to […]

Life is unpredictable. But it’s not for nothing that the cliché says: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. One of the best things you can do to safeguard your assets is to prepare for the worst, including death and debilitating illness. You should also plan for a scenario where you’re not able […]

Issues regarding liability are common in real estate. There are several risks that can lead to a lawsuit. You can’t ever fully remove the possibility of legal action against you. But there are a few common-sense measures you can take to protect yourself from some of the most common claims, including Bodily injury Breach of […]

Why risk exposing yourself (and your assets)? A shell company can streamline your real estate investments while minimizing this exposure. Your shell company is your face to the world, it’s the one that we want people to come after if there’s ever a lawsuit. Think of it as a legal decoy. It shouldn't offer products […]

There are many reasons couples decide not to get married. Some choose to live together before getting married, while others see no need to walk down the aisle to make the relationship official. According to a Pew Research study, there is a growing acceptance of cohabitation in America. The study also revealed that the number of […]

Real estate investing has long been a proven strategy for people looking to accumulate wealth. Whether it's building equity in your own home or saving up enough money for a second property, real estate is often a tangible investment that typically moves up and to the right.  For those who can pull together the capital […]

Real estate one of the more promising long-term investments. One reason is the real estate market is generally less susceptible to the volatile ups and downs of high-risk stocks or emerging strategies like cryptocurrency.  That said, it can be a little intimidating to jump into owning land, becoming a landlord or flipping houses, especially if […]

Real estate investors who use an LLC for business operations may wonder if they need a registered agent in every state where they have properties or transact business. Sometimes, entrepreneurs choose a state other than their residence for forming an LLC, and different jurisdictions may have different rules about registered agents. Here is what the […]

LLCs are one of the most popular ways to hold title to a property, providing real estate investors with a number of benefits, including limitation of liability, confidentiality, and asset protection. Like ice cream, LLCs come in many flavors, and each has its advantages. Here is a short overview of the different LLC types and […]

People tend to put off estate planning because no one likes to think about their own mortality. That makes sense, but more than 60 percent of Americans don't even have a will in place, and you should not be among them. Sure, the estate planning process means you have to focus on some unpleasant scenarios. […]

Having an estate plan in place is one of the most important gifts you can give your children. You've worked hard to build up assets that will help them in the future. But a difficult question that is on the mind of many investors we work with is, "How can I prevent one of my […]

The Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) is a bona fide legal workhorse.  For the right investors and circumstances, it’s often an excellent tool that preserves passive investment income, prevents lawsuits, and has special tax benefits for Californians. It can pull double duty for asset protection and estate planning, but that’s hardly all.  The DST can bring […]

Using a power of attorney with a land trust is a good idea. A power of attorney, or a POA, allows someone to act on your behalf. This is a good thing to have in case you are out of town or you are unable to act when the need arises. You may think of […]

Why file an LLC and manage a company if it's going to get invalidated? Can't a good litigation attorney just "pierce the corporate veil" of an LLC? That advice is just wrong. LLCs are incredibly hard to pierce—if they are maintained correctly. The problem is that most business owners fail to do the things that […]

Capital gains taxes are the bane of investors everywhere. There's no wonder they stoke a little resentment among real estate investors: Uncle Sam likely had little to do with the profitability of your property. But you’ve still got to pay up. And of course you should, but not without knowing a few of the ways […]

1031 Exchanges offer real estate investors tax benefits and access to unique deals. Making the decision about whether using this strategy is the right move for you can be difficult. It’s important to understand the 1031 exchange process and consider the value of its benefits in your own situation. We’ve broken down some of the […]

The LLC or Series LLC has the easiest tax returns for a single member. It's a "pass through entity," which means all of the income from the company can be reported on your personal income tax return. You don't have to pay thousands of dollars to a CPA to file a business return. Great news! […]

For those of you who already have living trusts, congratulations—you are certainly on the right track when it comes to estate planning.  But how do you know when to update your living trust? Even if you don’t have one yet, this article is worth a read ... What is a Living Trust For? As a […]

Blaming millennials for everything has become a national pastime. One problem with cultural assumptions about entire demographics of people is these assumptions can water down or outright mislead our understanding of the real issues we're facing. Like it or not, millennials’ habits will dictate real estate trends over the coming years. As real estate investors, […]

You might think selling your property “as is” means you're covered if something goes wrong. The reality is that selling a property "as-is" can get you sued. A property with undeclared flaws can land you in hot water for a variety of reasons, including: Fraudulent inducement Willful concealment Breach of contract Gross negligence Why the […]

When you work hard and save money to pass on to your heirs, you don’t want them to have to pay legal fees to obtain it after your death. You also don’t want your family members to experience stress while they wait to find out who gets what from your estate. One way to avoid […]

Investing in real estate can be both a satisfying and lucrative way of building your portfolio. However, the complexity of buying and owning property can make you vulnerable to some unscrupulous characters. From corrupt builders to phony appraisers, the real estate market can be tricky to navigate for investors of all experience levels. Unlike the […]

In an effort to combat money-laundering schemes, Congress recently passed the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) with a veto-proof majority. As part of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, the CTA became law this month. The CTA requires private companies, including anonymous real estate LLCs, to disclose their beneficial owners to the U.S. Department of the […]

When you’re building your estate plan, one goal is to minimize the tax burden for your heirs. One tool to accomplish this is a grantor trust. In this article, we will examine these types of trusts, including their pros and cons, for your long-term financial plan. What is a Grantor Trust? The term "grantor" describes […]

There are many advantages to setting up an anonymous Land Trust for your real estate investments. Did you know that you also can use these trusts to borrow money to buy additional property? In this article, we will examine the advantages of a Land Trust mortgage and how to obtain one. What is a Land […]

Investing in apartments buildings takes a deeper level of involvement compared to managing single-family units. But investing in an apartment complex is a time-tested ways to build wealth. Multifamily property investing gives you cash flow, allows you to easily finance additional properties, and delivers fantastic tax benefits To make an informed about whether a multifamily […]

The public disclosure associated with the identity of the true party in interest and the location where the party may be served with process if suit is filed is called a DBA.

Real estate investors wear a lot of hats. The ones who do well must figure out how to manage their time. Making smarter investment decisions and seeing higher returns depend on it. As a real estate investor, your success depends on how you use your time. You need to make every minute count. These productivity […]

When most people think of investing, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds often come to mind. For most Royal Legal clients (including members of our mastermind group), the investment avenue of choice is real estate. Investing in property such as rentals, commercial office space and multi-family housing isn't everyone’s cup of tea, though because it can […]

If the title of this article is already making you yawn, I promise—this will be more exciting than you think. Why’s that? Because this article is all about SAVING YOU MONEY BY LOWERING YOUR TAXES. Save Money? Lower Taxes? Tell Me More! Now that I have your attention, let’s dive in. Using a Section 179 […]

As we continue our series on S Corps, we’ve come to an interesting question: Does an S Corp need to pay payroll taxes? Your short answer is yes. S Corps, even single-member ones, are responsible for payroll taxes just like any other business. However, one of the fantastic benefits of an S Corp is that […]

When it comes to protecting your property, you should build a castle, not a fence. This is where an asset protection plan comes into play. Think of an LLC's protection as being on par with a fence. It offers you decent protection, but you could do better. How? By getting an Anonymous Trust. When you compare […]

Paying taxes as an independent contractor can be a pain. The purpose of this article is to make it easier for self-employed individuals (such as real estate agents, brokers, and investors) to understand, calculate and plan for paying Uncle Sam the self-employment tax he is owed. What Is An Independent Contractor? An independent contractor is […]

Are you tired of all the inconveniences that come with real estate investing, like tenants and structural repairs? The landlord life is not for everyone, and it's getting old for you, it might be time to try something new. Land investing provides a variety of profit opportunities. Whether you choose to invest in farmland or […]

So you've caught the real estate bug, and you're ready to start investing! But then you check your bank account and ... Oh yeahhh ... You're broke. This doesn't mean you can't get in the game — it just means you need to think a little more creatively. Here are a few tips on how […]

If you’re trying to set up a business to hold your real estate investments, all the jargon and legal mumbo jumbo can be confusing. For instance, the internet is probably telling you to decide if you want your business to be an “S” corporation” or a “C” corporation,” but you don’t even know the difference […]

If you’ve formed an S Corp to manage your real estate investments, you probably already know about the benefits that come with S Corp taxes. In fact, the primary difference between S and C corporations is the way the businesses are taxed: C Corps are separate taxpaying entities. This means that the business pays income […]

Crowdfunding, the use of small amounts of capital from a large number of individuals, has become a popular way of financing everything from personal emergencies to new business ventures. Through social networks and websites such as Kickstarter and GoFundMe, crowdfunding allows investors to select from hundreds of causes and projects, sometimes investing as little as […]

When do I need my first LLC? When do I need a Series LLC? Do I need a Delaware Statutory Trust? When should I implement more advanced (and potentially more costly) options like domestic asset protection trusts or foreign trusts? It's hard to make the best asset protection decisions without understanding your options. That's why […]

You have to think of the IRS like they’re pirates out to steal your money. They want to get into your home. They want to carry off your daughter. They are the barbarians at the gate. Our clients are wealthy investors who will pay their fair share when and where they are obligated. But there […]

IRAs allow you to make tax-deferred investments while working, so you'll reap the rewards when you retire. A custodian typically puts your money in mutual funds, stocks and bonds.  The self-directed IRA allows you to bypass the custodian, take charge of your retirement savings, and put your money into a wide range of investments, including […]

Are you ready for the next phase of life? One that leaves the daily grind behind? If you're nearing retirement age, you've been saving for a long time, and now you're getting close to the point where you can start taking distributions (finally). Let's review everything you need to know about taking a distribution from […]

If you are a landlord, you have likely put in a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to get where you are. Still, you have to put in a little bit of extra work to avoid the risk of losing it all in a lawsuit.  Let's look at how landlords protect themselves from lawsuits and […]

If you are in a position to invest in real estate, congratulations! Your hard work, saving and diligent money management will pay off.  Now's not the time to ignore asset protection. This means structuring your business in such a way to ensure the maximum legal protections. Let's make sure your hard-earned money is kept as […]

You can't be a great real estate investor if you don't have an understanding of marital property laws and how they affect your investments. Most U.S. states use common law, also known as or equitable distribution, as their matrimonial regime, but in Texas and eight other states, community property is the rule. What is Community […]

Real estate investors love the liability and asset protection offered by a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Do you know what makes an LLC even better? When it's completely anonymous. Fortunately, some states offer you the chance to escape from unnecessary legal liability in the form of an “anonymous” LLC. An anonymous LLC protects your privacy […]

Sometimes saving for retirement seems more complicated than it should be, and even more so when you work for yourself. There are a seemingly endless number of retirement accounts to choose from, and you want to make the best decision for your future (and for your family's security). As a self-employed real estate investor, we […]

A land trust can be a simple and effective tool for real estate investors who want to maintain privacy in their investments. With a land trust, you appoint a trustee to hold legal title and manage the property for your benefit or the benefit of a third party.  But what happens when trustees take advantage […]

While you probably know that wills and trusts are both used in estate planning, many people don’t truly understand the difference between the two. So, what what IS the difference between a will and a trust, anyway? Both wills and trusts are used to pass your property on to your loved ones after your death. […]

Congratulations! You've lived long enough to retire or you're almost there. But before you "cash out" and get your money via distributions from your retirement account, you may want to know what some people learn the hard way. Let's start with distributions from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s. The first five questions will relate to these […]

Real estate is more than just about selling and buying. It's also about signing contracts that say exactly what you want them to say. You may or may not enjoy doing the "backend" paperwork, but it's just as important as all the other work involved when it comes to buying and selling properties. Which brings […]

The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act went into effect on January 1, 2020. While the law was touted as a way to encourage retirement savings, some of the changes created by the SECURE Act actually limit the use of IRAs to build family wealth.  One of the major impacts of the […]

Deciding the best way to save for retirement can be confusing. Many investment options seem remarkably similar and trying to understand the differences feel like trying to decipher the Rosetta Stone.  Choosing between the different types of retirement plans can be stressful when you’re a self-employed real estate investor, especially when you don't really understand […]

Marriages don’t always work out. Whether it’s divorce or death, people deserve a second chance to find their soulmate. However, your second marriage can have important implications for the children you had during the first one. More specifically, you may need to use a different approach when planning your estate to make sure that your […]

If a loved one passes away and you are the beneficiary of their IRA, you might not know what you need to do next. The IRS has a lot of complicated rules about inherited IRAs, and you can be subject to large penalties if you don’t follow them. While it’s always a good idea to […]

Where legal issues are concerned, the answers to most questions are  rarely simple. This blog post provides the full answer (the yes/no, the why, the exceptions and other related issues) to the question: Does a revocable trust file a tax return? In transferring properties to beneficiaries, avoiding probate is one benefit that makes a revocable […]

If you are looking to start a real estate investing business, you should be familiar with two popular business structures at your disposal.  These are Single Member Limited Liability Companies (SMLLC) and Sole Proprietorships. Both options can help you get your business off the ground, but it is worth considering the protections and future commercial […]

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a versatile legal entity for running a business. Since its relatively recent creation (Wyoming in 1977) it has quickly become an attractive option for real estate investors due to its tax flexibility and strong legal protections.  In practical business operations, many LLCs function either through a designated manager or […]

The U.S. housing market has been booming as everyday Americans (and more than a few real estate investors) take advantage of record-low mortgage rates. As a result, now is an opportune time for many to become first-time homebuyers. If you want to buy a house but your bank account balance doesn’t seem ready to cooperate, […]

You’ve been thinking about investing in real estate for a while now. Maybe you’ve even purchased your first investment property. Now it’s time to get serious about your plans. The first and most important step? Choosing a structure for your real estate investment business—one that protects you and helps you achieve your goals. There are […]

The concept of banking has been around for about as long as civilization itself.  In ancient Mesopotamia, temples and palaces often acted as financial institutions, lending seeds to local farmers to plant their crops. Once those crops were harvested, farmers would be required to pay back their seeds.  Of course, banking has evolved since then.  […]

Once upon a time, only the richest and most connected investors could participate in real estate syndications.  Today, real estate crowdfunding platforms, lower investment minimums and a wealth of project information available online all mean that real estate syndications are within reach for many investors. But here’s the bad news: Whether they’re interested in syndication […]

For the savvy investor looking to create a watertight estate plan, the pour-over will may be the perfect addition to a living trust. Named after the fact that it “pours” all a decedent’s remaining assets into the living trust, a pour-over will can be an effective estate planning strategy worth looking into. So ... Let's […]

All right my fellow real estate investors, let's break this down: Single member vs. multi member LLCs. First and foremost, most of the time you can choose which kind of LLC you want. Whether a single- or multi-member company is required depends on state law. For example, if you decide to form your LLC In […]

The Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) is an exceptional investment vehicle. It offers monthly hassle-free income and a more diverse investment portfolio. Managed under the supervision of a trustee, it combines asset protection, estate planning, and personal control. However, Internal Revenue Ruling 2004-86 names seven deadly sins that limit the DST trustee's power. Below is a […]

Fear without direction is a scary thing. We’ve all had our lives upended in the past month, both personally and professionally, in the face of the global Coronavirus pandemic and it’s left many of us feeling a lot of fear about the future. What we’re missing is a plan, though. With a plan to guide […]

It’s been a few months since a worldwide pandemic took hold of this country, leaving a multitude of questions and complicated legal situations in its wake. Whether you are a real estate investor, a home seller, a Realtor, a landlord, a property manager, or a tenant, you likely have questions about the real estate contracts […]

A recent analysis of housing markets all over the country has shown that more than half of the 50 housing markets most vulnerable to collapse due to the coronavirus pandemic are centered in the Northeast and Florida.  The largest northeastern cluster is in New Jersey and includes 14 of their 21 counties, including five in […]

Delaware has long been known as the preferred jurisdiction for corporations. Did you know the “First State” is also recognized as a leader in the area of statutory trusts?  In 1988 Delaware adopted the Delaware Business Trust Act, which became the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (the “DST Act”) in 2002. This legislation overruled the principles […]

First thing to know: A Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) can be used anywhere in the U.S. (not just in the state of Delaware).  A DST is a legally-recognized trust in which property is held, managed, and invested. DSTs allow investors to pool together their 1031 exchange proceeds into the trust, making it an attractive investment […]

As we’ve seen, a Delaware Statutory Trust is an entity used to hold title to investment real estate. A Limited Liability Company (LLC) can also hold title to real estate; however, a DST 1031 Property will qualify as “like kind” exchange replacement property for a 1031 exchange.  “Like-kind property” generally means both the original and […]

Fraud plays a major role in real estate lawsuits, but most of the time the issues aren’t intentional. Most people are sued for miscommunication and accidents, rarely over intentional negligence and purposeful fraud. It’s important to realize that everything that is stated will be interpreted by the listener. Courts have broken these issues into different […]

As real estate investors ourselves, we like insurance. We use it for our personal investments and frequently advise our clients to do the same.  An insurance policy can help you limit your liability, and it’s always a good idea to get an agent to explain your best options. However, it’s important for investors to understand […]

Some of the basic questions we get about liability include:  What exactly is liability? Why does it matter for a real estate investor?  What kinds of situations can make a person liable?  Can you argue and win against these charges?  Are there ways to avoid liability? Liability is basically any reason you might end up […]

  In real estate syndication, no decision is ever made in a vacuum. When an investor decides to close on a given property, for example, they are not just choosing to buy that property—they are choosing to buy that property instead of buying one of the many other similar properties that are currently available. All […]

One of the best things about rolling over your retirement assets into a self-directed IRA is that it opens up a wide range of investment options—including our favorite, real estate. Typically, IRA investment options are limited to stocks, mutual funds and bonds. Holders of a self-directed IRA, however, can also invest in: Real estate Land […]

COVID-19 rightfully has a lot of homeowners (and real estate investors) nervous about the risk of foreclosure. Though a lender has to wait 180 days to initiate a foreclosure, both the private and business mortgage sectors are wondering what will happen to the economy and timely mortgage payments in the aftermath of this worldwide pandemic. […]

COVID-19 rightfully has a lot of homeowners (and real estate investors)nervous about the risk of foreclosure. Though a lender has to wait 180 days to initiate a foreclosure, both the private and business mortgage sectors are wondering what will happen to the economy and timely mortgage payments in the aftermath of this worldwide pandemic. Foreclosure […]

It’s not an exaggeration to say that nearly everything has changed in the past month due to the coronavirus—and real estate markets are no exception. Almost every single sector of the economy is facing unprecedented challenges, but especially the construction industry. Starting with supply chain interruptions from China when that country was facing the worst […]

You’ve finally decided to get into the real estate game, but now that you’re faced with the task of purchasing your first investment property, you’re just not sure where to begin.  Investing in real estate can be an effective way to bring in additional cash flow and grow your savings. But accurately assessing your chosen […]

As a rental property owner, you are accustomed to solving many different kinds of problems. Ensuring you are protected in case something goes wrong is one of the problems. So we're going to talk about the benefits of having a limited liability company (LLC) for rental property investing. This is where many owners will say, […]

By reading this article you are either a real estate investor or an aspiring real estate investor. You have surely talked with people discussing LLCs (Limited Liability Companies.) One of the struggles investors run into is finding reliable information that they can trust. Learning about the benefits of forming an LLC is no different. Today I […]

If you are a real estate investor chances are that you have already heard about using a LLC (Limited Liability Company) for asset protection. Creating a LLC takes some time and money. Because of this it turns a lot of investors away from the entity. Allow me to make a case for the benefits this […]

One of the more elegant features of the real estate world is the way the whole ecosystem encourages symbiosis. Investors often are stronger together, especially in the face of an obstacle. For most investors, start-up capital or even cash flow to expand will become issues at some point in an REI career. Money partnership is […]

Equity stripping is something of a varsity-level real estate move, but it’s also an asset protection classic for a reason. The whole idea is to make your property look extremely undesirable on paper, even if it’s a beautiful and pricey asset to behold. Today, we’ll be talking specifically about five ways to protect the equity […]

The Limited Liability Company (LLC) has more than fairly earned its reputation as an excellent foundation for asset protection. But even the trusty LLC isn’t the be-all and end-all of your asset protection strategy. LLC anonymity is another piece of the puzzle. True, LLCs and Series LLCs make wonderful entities for protecting your real estate […]

The solo 401(k) or self-directed 401(k)—or what the IRS calls a one-participant 401(k)—is an increasingly popular way to save for retirement, diversify retirement assets, and protect them from creditors. Fortunately for us savvy savers, the rules about eligibility and what you can do with your account are right there in black in white. Back in […]

The self-directed 401(k), affectionately known as the Solo 401(k) or Solo-K, is an impressive vehicle for both asset protection and saving for retirement. If you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or anyone with an independent contractor or self-employment gig like Uber driving or your own business, you can’t afford not to know about the Solo-K. Here are […]

The Solo 401(k) can certainly stir up some confusion. In fact, the whole world of self-directed investing can. So in the interest of saving your precious time, and helping you maximize every single one of your retirement dollars, we’re collecting our FAQs about the plan to answer more of your questions in one place. Let’s […]

The self-directed, or solo 401(k)—or what the IRS calls a one-participant 401(k)—isn’t all that different from a "regular" 401(k) on paper. Its name actually derives from the fact that it is a “one participant" retirement plan. But solo 401(k)s offer a whole new level of freedom as far as investing your retirement dollars goes. The […]

It’s important to set up your real estate LLCs the right way. Improperly established, noncompliant or mismanaged LLCs are pointless at best and costly at worst. Your entire asset protection can be undermined by one poorly structured or managed entity, because the entity is such a crucial piece of any asset protection plan. No matter […]

It’s hard to deny that one in five Americans not having put a single cent towards retirement is a social problem. But the policy solution Congress is enacting to address this issue may affect your 401(k). As investors, we love the 401(k), the 1978 amendment in the Tax Code that quickly became one of America’s […]

Flipping is just different than other investing strategies. In terms of both the financial aspects and legalities of running this type of business, there are a few things flippers should know about organizing and defending their real estate portfolios. Chief among the things every flipper should understand is how to construct an asset protection strategy […]

Flipping is just different than other investing strategies. In terms of both the financial aspects and legalities of running this type of business, there are a few things flippers should know about organizing and defending their real estate portfolios. Chief among the things every flipper should understand is how to construct an asset protection strategy […]

Thanks for joining us again as we finish our little explainer on the 2019 “Dirty Dozen” tax scams you need to continue to watch out for this year. Every year, the IRS releases a “watchdog” style document that lawyers,  investors, and even the Taxmen themselves call the Dirty Dozen. In Part One, we covered six […]

Warning: We cannot print today’s pieces without a frank discussion of the “f” word. Yes, the “f” word. Foreclosure. It’s a fate we all hope to avoid personally. But as real estate investors, we also know that foreclosed homes may offer us tremendous opportunities for profit, incredible deals, and epic upselling after appreciation works its […]

Reverse mortgages have gotten more than their fair share of both good and overwhelmingly negative press coverage, so it’s no small wonder most investors and seniors are confused about what they even are. As retirees face longer life expectancies, many outlive their personal savings or Social Security plans, face mounting medical costs, and find life […]

The IRS released its 2019 scam watchlist, affectionately known as the Dirty Dozen. What should you watch out for during this year’s tax season? Learn the latest below, and remember, it’s okay to be skeptical of any officer claiming to originate from the IRS. #1: Illegal Use of Off-Shore Accounts We’ve shared before about the […]

When you establish an LLC, you must plan for its management. LLCs may divide decision-making powers among members or select a manager. If your LLC is single-member, you assume managerial powers, but multi-member LLCs must decide. To make the best choice, check out our breakdown of member-managed LLCs, manager-managed LLCs, their differences, and how to […]

Dmitriy Fomichenko’s area of expertise is a little different than the more traditional real estate investors we’ve covered before. He’s a man of many talents, but his truly remarkable expertise is in using self-directed accounts, such as self-directed IRAs (SDIRAs) and Solo 401(k)s, specifically as a real estate investment vehicles. Dmitriy’s unique knowledge and methods […]

Finders’ fees can have a few meanings in real estate, but generally the term refers to the chunk of change a “middleman” in your deal can take. Sometimes they’re gifts, other times it’s a commission or percentage. Usually, real estate agents pay finders’ fees, not investors directly. But it’s also true that commercial REI transactions […]

Aside from getting to live in “almost heaven,” West Virginia investors really do have something special. And we’re not just talking about the local real estate markets. From an asset protection standpoint, West Virginia investors also have more options. For instance, did you know that you can use an in-state Series LLC as a component […]

Whether you’re in the big city of Seattle, overlooking the Puget sound, enjoying the highest quality-of-life in America on Bainbridge Island, walking past the wildflowers of Burien, or somewhere else amidst the greenery, there’s no shortage of beautiful views and beautiful homes in Washington State. So the Washington investor is often a sophisticated, intelligent one--the […]

Utah has scenery that we can confidently call serenity embodied. Whether you reside (or invest) in the bigger cities, near the brilliant Great Salt Lake, or in one of the state’s many tranquil rural areas, we absolutely understand the appeal of the Beehive State. Investors in Utah have multiple options when it comes to protecting […]

Maryland is a lovely and lush state full of natural beauty and honest, hard-working people. Our Mariyland investor friends often write in with their questions about their best real estate asset protection options. Perhaps they already know that most REIs can benefits from the Series LLC, or they’re trying to figure out whether Maryland offers […]

We get frequent questions about rules and regulations of all legal tools used for asset protection. Land trust eligibility is no different.  Let’s just be clear that you don’t have to pass any eligibility requirements beyond being of legal age to get a land trust. That said, there are some issues to be aware of. […]

Land trusts are often the unsung heroes of the real estate investing world. You can use them to control assets rather than own them yourself. You’re almost always better off controlling an asset than owning it in your name outright. And that’s where the land trust really gets to strut its stuff. After all, the […]

If you’ve started learning about the land trust recently, questions are common. We’ve gone ahead and made some primers on what a land trust is and the benefits of the structure, but today, we’re going to answer your most Frequently Asked Questions about the land trust. The inboxes here at Royal Legal HQ are regularly […]

As we continue our series on the land trust, it’s time to turn our attention toward the major benefits of this structure. Whether you are old friends with this time-tested real estate tool or have never heard of it in your life, the land trust or title-holding trust can truly be the real estate investor’s […]

One of the many reasons real estate investors love the self-directed IRA (SDIRA)  is the control they have over both their assets and participation with traditional custodians. But many investors are also aware of the SDIRA’s relative security as an asset protection tool. If you weren’t aware of this benefit before, you are now.  Don’t […]

Let’s face it, blaming the Millennials for life’s laments has become a national pastime for some. One problem with cultural assumptions about entire demographics of people is these assumptions can water down or outright mislead our understanding of the real issues affecting (and caused by) this population. Like it or not, Millennials’ habits will dictate […]

We often emphasize that fabulously wealthy folks don’t own assets, they control them. It’s something we point out often at Royal Legal Solutions, because you don’t have to be rich (yet) to borrow a few things out of the Fabulously Wealthy Playbook. Let’s do a quick crash course in the top legal ways to control […]

Equity sharing is an increasingly popular way for investors to reap the rewards of investing even if they’re strapped for time or cash. Such arrangements can allow cash-poor or newer investors with time for pavement-pounding/vetting/reading to team up with time-strapped investors who like funding smart deals. Equity sharing may benefit any investor. Those trying to […]

The Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) is a bona fide legal workhorse.  For the right investors and circumstances, it’s often an excellent tool that preserves passive investment income, prevents lawsuits, and has special tax benefits for Californians. It can pull double duty for asset protection and estate planning, but that’s hardly all.  The DST can bring […]

Rod Khlief was floating in one of his indoor pools in one of many elegant properties in his multimillion dollar pool when a crushing, sinking, realization set in: “I’m miserable.” How could this be? Who is this man? And would you believe that investors worldwide seek him out for advice?  Rod Khlief: Success is Not […]

It may seem too good to be true, but did you know you can create your own mortgage company? It’s a great tactic for real estate investors who want unlimited equity stripping powers, as well as a solid asset protection boost. Or maybe you’re just TIRED of the convos with crappy banks. You can break […]

There’s now denying that citizens of Connecticut are innovators, with nearly 400 years of history dating all the way back to Colonial times. While most Americans are aware the state is deeply interwoven with early American history, the actual achievements of the Constitution State are not always recognized. After all, Connecticut is both one of […]

One interesting thing about the asset protection field is how many areas of law overlap. To run an effective practice, asset protection attorneys have to have a thorough understanding of business law, tax law, real estate, and yes, estate planning. Sometimes, clients are confused as to why our firm, which serves primarily real estate investors […]

Yes, now let’s all go out for a drink. Just kidding. We take this question very seriously as asset protection professionals. But we’re also human, and understand why offshore accounts sometimes get a bad rap (and rep). If you’ve only heard about them in crime dramas or outrageous news reports, you’re hardly to blame if […]

If you go through the effort of forming, building, and growing a company, you want to be sure to do everything you can to protect your business. One thing you simply can’t afford to ignore as a business owner is compliance. Let’s talk a bit more about what corporate compliance means, involves, and looks like. […]

One of the major decisions you will make as a part of your estate plan is how you want your remains handled. Some approach this as a matter of disposal, others as an opportunity for preservation of their legacy. But the options are only getting more interesting if you’re willing to think outside of the […]

We are always getting questions about off-shore accounts here at Royal Legal Solutions. Perhaps this is because off-shore accounts are one way many investors become acquainted with some principles of asset protection, even though the subject is also frequently misunderstood. Regardless, we thought it was high time to give you a straight-forward guide to how […]

While estate planning isn’t always the easiest topic to discuss, avoiding it tends to make it into a bigger, more dramatic deal than it needs to be. If you haven’t looked into estate planning basics yet, now is a wonderful time to consider what kind of choices you want to make, as well as which […]

This shouldn’t be hard to imagine. You get in a disagreement with a tenant over one matter or another. Maybe they’ve already fallen behind substantially on the rent. A matter of a few days later, they’re packed up and gone--with your rent money in tow, of course. What can you do? The answer isn’t always […]

We love hearing from our fellow investor friends in Wyoming for a few reasons. Not only do citizens of the Cowboy State tend to be good, honest salt-of-the-earth folk, but also sharp real estate investors. So it’s no small wonder we get tons of questions about the Series LLC for Wyoming investors. It is a […]

We are always getting questions about offshore accounts here at Royal Legal Solutions. Perhaps this is because offshore accounts are one way many investors become acquainted with some principles of asset protection, though the subject is also frequently misunderstood. Regardless, we thought it was high time to give you a straightforward guide to how these […]

Let’s do something folks don’t do much: Let's talk about the fun side of estate planning. While it’s hardly a rip-roaring cocktail party subject, it’s important nonetheless. An improperly planned estate, or worse, no plan at all, complicates your already painful death for those who care about you. Here are some of our favorite benefits […]

Estate planning is confusing enough for the average person. But as real estate investors, we have a host of unique concerns on top of the Average Joe/Jane. It’s true that estate planning may be stressful for anyone, but understanding estate planning for REIs is too important to ignore. Luckily, this article’s a stress-free way to […]

The Delaware Statutory Trust is a mighty vehicle, but just as with any other legal tool, neither the DST, 1031, or power combo of both is without flaw. You may already be familiar with the benefits of 1031 exchanges for real estate asset protection. You may have seen our article about Delaware Statutory Trust advantages […]

Equity stripping can be a critical component of your asset and creditor protection strategy. This tried-and-true tactic for making your valuables less attractive targets works by disguising the true value of the property in a controlled, legal manner. If you want to brush up on the topic, you’re in the right place. Learn more about […]

When you first begin learning about asset protection, it’s not unusual to experience a bit of decision fatigue. You’ll have many choices to make in the early days of creating your plan, which is one of many reasons why experienced legal counsel can make a meaningful difference in both the effectiveness of your strategy and […]

Our deep dive into the Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) continues now with what we consider some of the best news about the DST structure: the perks. If you’ve already read up on the basics, FAQs, and relatively painless regulation breakdown, you already know some of the broad benefits. Learn a little more about this powerhouse […]

Do you have properties you’re using as vacation rentals, short-term, or mid-term rentals? If so, or if you are considering listing part or all of an investment property on Airbnb or any other online platform, this article is for you. Vacation rentals have become an increasingly popular way to maximize profits on investment properties. That […]

The Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) is an asset protection tool that really doesn’t get the sexy reputation it deserves. Because these babies really are fine legal vehicles for compartmentalizing assets, securing your anonymity, and keeping your wealth defended from litigious types. The DST is particularly indispensable for California real estate investors as one of the […]

Capital gains taxes are the bane of investors everywhere. There's no wonder they stoke a little resentment among real estate investors: Uncle Sam likely had little to do with the profitability of your property. But you’ve still got to pay up. And of course you should, but not without knowing a few of the ways […]

So far in our discussion of the Delaware Statutory Trust (DST), we’ve hit on the basics you need to know about the structure and some deeper nuances about regulatory and tax implications for California investors. But you may still have questions about this lesser-known tool. Here are some of the most common ones we get, […]

One of the reasons we save for retirement is because medical costs invariably go up with age. Saving for your own eventual care, even if you’re healthy as a horse now, is wise. But recent projections suggest you may actually want to save a little more. Cost of care is expected to continue fluctuating, and […]

To continue our comprehensive series on Delaware Statutory Trust Law and best practices, let’s dive a little deeper into the nitty gritty details of how this structure works to protect real estate investors.   Should Real Estate Investors Use a Delaware Statutory Trust? Anyone can have a Delaware statutory trust. An investor won’t ever be […]

Where you live certainly can influence your Series LLC options, and which states you should consider forming your company in. If you plan to use a Series LLC holding company, you may have in-state options--but whether these are worthwhile, let alone your best, is a decision that must be made with the help of an […]

When asked by someone without an estate plan when they should plan their estate, we tend to give a variation of the answer, “Right away.” But updating your estate plan is a little more complex. There are major life events that are critical times to update your estate plan and make any necessary adjustments.  1: […]

As with anything new that breaks from tradition, crowdfunding real estate investments stokes fear in some. We find many of the more irrational fears to be iterations of Internet-phobia backed by little evidence. Some people simply hear words like “Internet-based” and assume risk without actually getting the facts about crowdfunding for investors. The truth is, […]

When you form your entity for your real estate business, there are plenty of choices to make. Using a full-service entity formation firm like Royal Legal Solutions helps take some of the guesswork out of entity set-up and gives you a place to go with your questions. Resist the temptation to give in to the […]

There’s no question that California investor Kathy Fettke is a woman of many talents. You may have already heard of this active investor, author, mentor, and coach through her business and educational efforts. Kathy is the CEO of the Real Wealth Network and the host of the Real Wealth Show. Her work throughout different areas […]

The Lone Star State is a great place to live, love, and work. In fact, we like this state so much that our firm is based deep in the heart of Texas in Austin. If you’ve lived in Texas long enough, someone has inevitably told you about how everything is bigger here. It just so […]

The vacation rental industry has been booming for some time now, with no signs of slowing down. In fact, it’s how some people get into real estate: by realizing the income from renting a room in one’s home is pretty nice. More investors and ordinary folks are taking advantage of platforms such as Airbnb to […]

Your operating agreement is one of the first documents your attorney will draft when forming your LLC. Learn more about the common problems in operating agreements and their remedies below. Common Oversights in Operating Agreements The vast majority of the time, the problems in LLC operating agreements come down to language that is vague, irrelevant […]

Your Operating Agreement is one of the first documents your attorney will draft when forming your LLC. Learn more about the common problems in Operating Agreements and their remedies below. Common Oversights in Operating Agreements The vast majority of the time, the problems in Operating Agreements come down to wording Language that is vague, irrelevant […]

In the world of crowdfunded real estate, many investors feel lucky to get an offer for sponsorship at all. Some get so excited that they overlook details that may later come back to eat into their profits. The reality is that you do you have the luxury of being picky about your sponsors. In fact, […]

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (also known as the Trump tax reform) implemented Internal Revenue Code Section 199A, which offers a deduction of up to 20% of the income for most businesses. Historically, whether rental real estate has met the tax code definition of a “trade or business” has not been a question of […]

We make it cheaper and easier to own real estate. Work with us to make sure you get every dollar you’re entitled to. Real Estate Investment Tax Strategy and Compliance Get things set up right. Acquisition is often the most complicated piece. We go through your payments and closing statements to get everything in place […]

The Right Amount at the Right Time Filing and paying your taxes looks a lot different as an independent contractor than it does as an employee. Let’s talk about how a contractor calculates their income and tax due, and then we’ll go over the timing of how a contractor should make tax payments. We Get […]

Anyone keeping up with real estate market trends or news will inevitably encounter mention of the 1031 exchange. The 1031 has even made its way into investment jargon, as if we need more confusion in that area. Some people insist on using “1031” as a verb, as in when you overhear that investor at your […]

Many investors would love to manage their own property, but simply can’t. If the constraints of time, living out of state, or a growing portfolio make direct property management impractical, or you never cared for it much in the first place, the job still needs to be done. So when you can’t manage your rental […]

For those of you who already have living trusts, congratulations—you are certainly on the right track when it comes to estate planning.  But how do you know when to update your living trust? By the way, if you don’t have one yet, this article is worth a read ... What is a Living Trust For? […]

Some of you may already be familiar with Josh Bauerle, also known as the CPA on Fire. As both a young investor and a CPA, Josh takes a logical investing approach informed by his professional experience. By day, he works hands-on providing other entrepreneurs and small business owners of every stripe with superior tax and […]

Many investors don’t even know how crucial it is to have an estate plan. While planning for the unexpected is uncomfortable at times, it is essential for all of us. Yet the real estate investor has even more reason to be vigilant about estate planning. Whether you own a single investment property or an impressive […]

Maintaining your anonymity can be harder than ever in the digital era. Anybody who can type can search for—and find—an astonishing amount of your personal information. Your name, insurance policies, companies you have an ownership interest in, and especially properties you own are all potentially compromising details that you likely don’t want spread far and […]

There’s always something new that investors can learn about defending themselves with the tools and strategies of asset protection. We also understand though, that this area of law is less commonly understood. Heck, there are even solid business attorneys even who know about asset protection tools but still have fundamental misunderstandings about actually practicing this […]

The following is a discussion of both the most common perks of an asset protection strategy as well as the benefits that you can start enjoying at any time. Your customized plan will depend on the asset protection structures that you and your team of qualified professionals decide are best for you.       […]

It’s always sad to see stories of cult and popular figures alike passing away in their homes. In March of 2019 alone, legendary California tattoo artist Lyle Tuttle, former Alaskan governor Keith Miller, and many lesser-known humble heroes whose names won’t make papers died at home. But have you ever wondered what becomes of homes […]

Tax planning can be a critical component of your overall investing strategy. At Royal Legal Solutions, we love finding novel ways to help our investor-clients save tax money. We firmly believe that you can and should find and exploit any possible tax breaks. Below, we’ll explore some ways to save and share the details of […]

For the uninitiated, the Series LLC boasts many benefits, ranging in uses from streamlining your business to simplifying taxes. But if you’re here, you’ve likely heard about the structure’s unique asset protection benefits. Believe the hype. This structure is a powerful entity that is suitable for the vast majority of investors we speak with. But […]

The Series LLC is a flexible structure that is fortunately accessible to real estate investors all over the nation. If you aren’t yet familiar with the Series LLC’s many perks , they’re well worth getting to know. While the option is not yet available in every state, investors may choose to form Series LLCs out-of-state. […]

We talk all the time here on the Royal Legal Solutions blog about the importance of legally protecting your real estate investments. Far less online material is devoted to the asset protection of personal residences. Those investors who are newer to asset protection may be wondering what, if anything, we can do for our homes. […]

We talk all the time here on the Royal Legal Solutions blog about the importance of legally protecting your real estate investments. Far less online material is devoted to the asset protection of personal residences. Those investors who are newer to asset protection may be wondering what, if anything, we can do for our homes. […]

Whether you’re set on forming a Series LLC or interested in the Series LLC’s benefits for real estate investors, this article will give you the very basics on what you need to know about setting up a Series LLC as an Ohio investor. We will go over in-state and out-of-state options, while answering some frequently […]

Real estate investors get excited when learning about the benefits of a Series LLC for real estate investors. Florida investors are no different, and often first want to know whether there is a Florida Series LLC. Continue reading to learn more information about the best way to establish a Series LLC as an investor in […]

The last government shutdown was the longest in history (December 21, 2018 to January 25, 2019).  Those who recall previous shutdowns know that “nonessential” federal personnel are hit particularly hard by these events. But many people ask us: Is real estate affected by government shutdowns? During the last shutdown, the media focused on the roughly […]

Gino Barbaro is a realtor and investor who has become an authority on multifamily investing. Some of you may already know Gino from Jake and Gino Podcast, the incredibly popular podcast that Gino hosts with his business partner Jake Stenziano. The two educate fellow real estate investors via their real estate investment coaching company, JakeandGino.com. […]

Imagine making an appointment at your family doctor’s office. After driving to the appointment and a brief stint in the waiting room, the doctor calls you back to his office. Before you can even open your mouth, he informs you that you’re scheduled on surgery for Monday. You haven’t told him why you’re there. You […]

Limited Liability Companies have many useful properties for investors. Most of my clients approach me about forming Traditional LLCs or Series LLCs for asset protection, but often are completely unaware of the potential tax benefits their entity may provide. Today, let’s talk a bit about the tactics you can use to minimizing your tax liabilities. […]

As we continue our series on asset protection fundamentals, let's take a look at some of the major strategies (including rules and regulations) you will need to know. You are certainly eligible for some form of asset protection, but how does a real estate investor know which strategies are best? Although you need not meet […]

Asset protection may sound intimidating and complicated, but it doesn’t need to be. In this primer, we’ll go over some asset protection basics and learn more about the legal tools investors can use to stop lawsuits before they even start. If you read this start to finish and still have questions, shout them out in […]

If you own property using an out-of-state entity, you probably already know the importance of having a registered agent. If this term is news to you, get hip: most states make having a registered agent for your LLC a legal requirement for non-residents. While there are many good reasons to hire an effective and qualified […]

Student loans are a major stressor for most Americans, with nearly 40 million managing this type of debt. Don’t let ignorance of how student loan payments affect your taxes add to your worries. In fact, there’s some good news for anyone making these payments below, where we examine three of the ways your taxes are […]

There are many compelling reasons to operate a small business in retirement. It’s a great use of your time, a productive application of your mind, and a gateway to financial opportunity. For today, let’s talk about three top reasons to consider starting a business in retirement. Fill Your Spare Time With Fulfilling, Productive Activity Going […]

Those of you in the flipping industry know location can make or break your deal. Fortunately, we live in an age where getting our hands on predictive analytics is easier than ever. While predictions are never guarantees, they do form an important part of how we evaluate potential deals. For your convenience, we’ve combed through […]

Divorce is already one of the most stressful life events that many of us will go through. There’s a reason the expression is “going through a divorce”--it is truly a process to be endured. There are many factors to consider when you find yourself separating from your partner. On top of the emotional stress involved, […]

Frank Rolfe made a name for himself primarily in mobile home investing, though his portfolio also includes self-storage units. If you want to know about how he got his start investing in these oft-overlooked real estate niches, read on ... The Dollar General of Housing: Frank Rolfe’s Mobile Home Beginnings If you ask Frank Rolfe […]

If you are a real estate investor in New York, you may already be familiar with some of the benefits of Series LLCs for real estate investors. Read on to learn more about whether there is an in-state Series LLC option for New Yorkers, which Series LLC options will likely be best for the New […]

You know that Frank Sinatra great “Love & Taxes?” Or those many romantic films that end with the couple riding off into the sunset, only to tumble into a large country bed with their tax returns? No? Us, neither. Fortunately for us all, the song “Love and Marriage” makes no reference to taxes and this […]

If you have had to handle a housing foreclosure since the Market Crash in 2008, you’re not alone. These events can be both stressful and financially devastating, and some parts of the country were certainly hit harder by subprime lending and the crash than others. Or you may have a problem reflecting a more recent […]

Investors in the state of Delaware are fortunate to live in one of the best states for forming a Series LLC. This famously pro-business state is a wonderful place to form a Traditional LLC or Series LLC. For real estate investors in Delaware, the Delaware Series LLC provides more protection while also boasting some benefits […]

By the summer months of 2018, real estate journalists in major metropolitan areas began noticing that demand for furnished rental property was up. The phenomenon was not a fluke to particular geographic area, but present in cities across America, particularly those experiencing substantial growth or economic development. What is driving this trend? And most importantly, […]

Since the Series LLC is a lesser-known entity compared to its Traditional LLC counterpart, it is only natural that real estate investors have questions about the structure. So you can better understand the Series LLC, we have collected some of the FAQs here. Is There a Cost Advantage to Using the Series LLC? Absolutely, particularly […]

Those of you who read our blog regularly know we often wax poetic about Series LLC Benefits. You may be wondering what has us so fired up. To quench your curiosity, we have collected some of our favorite benefits of the Series LLC from our perspectives as both legal professionals and real estate investors. Series […]

Most of us real estate investors know the importance of keeping the Taxman happy. But he has time to determine if he’s happy. With the prevalence of IRS-related scams, we feel it’s important that real estate investors know when IRS maneuvers are legitimate. Uncle Sam uses a little thing called the tax assessment period. This […]

If you’re recently engaged, let us first say congratulations. Remarrying can be an exciting time in life, full of promise for new love. But it is also one of those major life events that can affect your estate plan. Be sure you have your bases covered by following the estate planning tips below. 1. Update […]

When making business decisions that affect your long-term goals, like what types of investments to make with your retirement dollars and which vehicles to use, it really is best to be aware of all of your options. We frequently talk about the Solo 401(k) and Self-Directed IRA as tools for funding your retirement. But what […]

As the year draws to a close, most of us plan to do some extra spending for the holidays. But on top of the money we plan to spend on gifts for our loved ones, there are also compelling reasons to think about making real estate purchases during this time. Here are five reasons why […]

As the year draws to a close, most of us plan to do some extra spending for the holidays. But on top of the money we plan to spend on gifts for our loved ones, there are also compelling reasons to think about making real estate purchases during this time. Here are five reasons why […]

Those of you who listen to The Real Estate Nerds Podcast already know that the success or failure of any investment depends half on the investment itself, and half on the investor behind it. This is the first in our Inside Look at Real Estate Investor series, where we will dive deeper into the minds […]

George H.W. Bush passed away on November 30, 2018 at the age of 94, making him the longest living President in United States History. His death came a mere eight months after the passing of his wife, Barbara Bush. While his storied life has already shaped the former President’s legacy, his death also reminds the […]

There is a lot to learn when you enter the real estate game. More importantly, there are many things that nobody bothers to tell you. Here are four of the most essential realities that new investors may not know. Read on to save yourself some headaches and set yourself up for success in the real […]

If you’re going to be in the investing game for the long-haul, you will want to know how to assign a real estate contract. Typically, contract assignment comes up when you find a property and secure a price, often well under market value, then turn around and “assign” purchasing rights to another investor or end-buyer. […]

If you haven’t assigned your first real estate contract yet, that’s okay. But if you’re going to be in the investing game for the long-haul, you will want to know how to get the job done right. Although wholesalers are most likely to use an assignment contract, the principles discussed below are true of any […]

Your operating agreement/operations agreement is one of the first documents your attorney will draft when forming your LLC. Learn more about the common problems in LLC operating agreements and their remedies below. Common Oversights in LLC Operating Agreements The vast majority of the time, the problems in operating agreements come down to wording. Language that […]

Imagine you’re sitting in your office or at home going about your daily business, and you get a phone call. The caller informs you that you owe the IRS money. They go on to explain that your tax payment for the year before was never received at all and that you must pay up now […]

For real estate investors in Colorado, asset protection can help prevent lawsuits. If you are new to real estate investments, you may have heard of a limited liability company (LLC). While an LLC is a good first step, real estate investors in particular should strongly consider the use of a Series LLC. How a Series […]

For most real estate investors, experts recommend you consider investing through a series limited liability company (LLC). However, in the state of California, you should consider using a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) instead. Why? Let’s take a look. The Series DST DSTs are not new. A DST is considered to be a statutory entity. As […]

Perhaps you’re familiar with the expression “The man who represents himself has a fool for a client.” While this is typically a phrase applied in a criminal law setting, it also holds true for real estate and business law. This doesn't mean you are incapable of "DIY" asset protection. But it means that all of […]

It’s completely natural to be anxious when you’re first starting anything, particularly when your hard earned money is on the line. But in the real estate game, your mindset affects everything. That is why it is critical to invest in yourself as your first asset before you spend your first dollar on property. If you’re […]

Perhaps you are considering what entity will do the best job protecting your real estate assets. Look no further than the series limited liability company (LLC). The series LLC for real estate investors offers a host of benefits that corporations and other types of entities do not. Read on to learn more about how series […]

The Series LLC confers so many benefits to real estate investors that many immediately want to know if their state permits this type of entity. After all, it is an infinitely scaleable option that allows you to grow your business indefinitely without you having to pay multiple filing fees or taxes on each new series […]

Entities form the basis of asset protection plans. With all of the advantages a Series LLC offers real estate investors, it is only natural to wonder if your state offers this option. But that isn’t the only factor to consider. Read on to learn more about taking advantage of the Series LLC as an Alabama […]

As part of our series of articles explaining the Series LLC in greater detail, we will now take a closer look at eligibility requirements for forming this entity and which rules and regulations apply to it. Let's learn more about the finer points of series LLC rules, eligibility, how they are formed, and what regulations […]

Approximately half of Americans fail to make an estate plan, which can be a major mistake. Real estate investors have even more to lose without thoughtful estate planning. So what are some of the tools that we use for an effective estate plan? What can you do today to make life easier for your heirs […]

If you are an active real estate flipper or wholesaler, you are more than likely subject to the self-employment tax (15.3%). Read on to discover how you can save thousands on your tax bill by electing to be taxed as an S Corp. A flipping or wholesaling business is not considered to be a passive […]

Odds are good that if you're considering the self-directed 401(k) as an investment vehicle for your retirement funds, you have at least heard the term "Checkbook Control." You may even already have a grasp of checkbook control and know that you want this feature for your solo 401(k). But many investors who start researching online […]

Many married couples elect to file their taxes jointly because it is genuinely cheaper. Well, most of the time. If you're a real estate investor, you likely already know that the typical rules don't always apply to you. Filing jointly may end up costing you more depending on your situation and a variety of other […]

Charitable contributions are a popular strategy among the wealthy for lowering tax payments. But this method isn't exclusively for the Michael Dells and Kim Kardashians of the world. Investors from all income levels, including you, can use it too. But even savvy investors don't always know that charitable gifts can be made from retirement accounts. […]

Many people who have office jobs envy those who can work from home. If you're a small business owner, freelancer, or kick-ass entrepreneur who uses a home office, you probably know that the truth is a little bit more complex. Sure, you can sometimes get away with working in your pajamas, but working from home […]

Nobody loves them, but deadlines are nonetheless an important part of "adulting." If you have ever participated in a traditional employer-sponsored 401(k), you likely already know (or have been reminded) that you cannot contribute to these plans beyond the end of the calendar year. What about the solo 401k contribution deadline? Are things different with […]

Real estate investors are typically excellent candidates for self-directed retirement accounts, in no small part because of their experience with evaluating investment opportunities. But there is a world of options: Self-Directed IRAs, 401(k)s, and of course, the Roth options for both. To make the best choice for your situation, you must understand your options. Today, […]

Did you know that you can use a self-directed IRA for your real estate investment? I’ve talked about this before and you can read more from our article about self-directed IRA investments.  There's no doubt that self-directed IRAs are powerful investment vehicles, but they aren't silver bullets for all investors. That said, they do come […]

Yes, there is such a thing as a “Friendly Lien." This is a lien against your property held by a party who is friendly to you. Ideally the “friendly party” is an LLC or corporation created in a jurisdiction (like Wyoming or Nevada) that allows you to use a nominee to make your involvement with the […]

When dealing with life's only two certainties, it's hard to tell which is more painful: death or taxes. Death is painful no matter what. But fortunately, there are ways to actually minimize the misery involved with dealing with Uncle Sam. As a real estate investor, you already know how important it is to maintain adequate […]

A land trust can provide anonymity and asset protection, but how are they treated for tax purposes? It will depend on the type of trust you decide to form. Land trusts can be “simple, complex, or grantor trust[s] depending on the terms of the trust instrument.” In this article we will explain the "disregarded entity," […]

A series LLC is a limited liability company that allows you to create multiple entities under one “master LLC”. Each new entity is called a “child series” and can have separate membership interests, assets, operations – and treatment for tax purposes. Series LLCs are popular among real estate investors because it’s easy to add additional […]

Are you an investor engaged in real estate flipping? Do you deal in tax liens or deeds or engage in investment activities in which you never hold on to property for longer than a year?  You’re probably wondering what sort of entity I recommend for such transactions. If you guessed an LLC, you’re right. But […]

Designating a proper beneficiary is essential for retirement account holders to guarantee their interests will be served. Whether you're using a Self-Directed IRA or 401(k), you want to ensure that you are doing the most you can for the appropriate beneficiary. Other investors have made critical errors in judgment on this subject, but you can […]

You are probably already familiar with the benefits of a 401(k) for retirement planning. But did you know that using this type of account can also help you save on your taxes? In fact, there are multiple tax benefits to taking advantage of the 401(k). Read on to learn about some major ways to save […]

If you have considered paying your taxes with a credit card, you're not alone. The urge can be strong, if only because of the convenience factor. Some investors are tempted to pay this way in a lower income year, or if they are unprepared on April 15th, because they feel it's the smart call to […]

Every year, the IRS updates contribution limits for the various types of retirement plans. If you want to ensure that you are getting the most out of your plan, you need to know the self-directed 401(k) contribution limits. This issue is particularly pressing for plan holders over 50, who are allowed to contribute more than […]

Freddy Stein is an active real estate flipper making big moves in the Atlanta market. He currently has four properties he’s rehabilitating, all held under his corporation.   Bad idea! We always recommend that our clients hold each property in a separate LLC to insulate them from each other. The way Freddy’s business was set […]

Do you own a multi-unit complex of any kind? Do you have a property manager on site? If you answered "yes" to both of these questions, then you probably offer them some kind of lodging/accommodation in addition to their base salary. Normally, you’ll pay your property manager an amount commensurate with the number of units […]

Partnerships, and LLCs taxed as partnerships (MMLLCs), do not pay tax at the partnership level. Instead, their income and losses are passed through to the individual partners, and reported on their individual or corporate tax returns. Despite the partnership not being taxed at the partnership level, it is still required to file its own tax […]

The Pass-Through Deduction, introduced by the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, allows sole proprietors, partnerships, and S-Corporations to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income (QBI). Since many real estate investors operate under one of these entities mentioned, how will this impact you? Investors with Taxable Income Below $157,500 ($315,000 if married) If you […]

For many individuals who want to plan ahead, a retirement account is one of the best means to save for the future. For most, an individual retirement account (IRA) or 401(k) plan are the primary means of doing so. However, did you know there were other options? At Royal Legal Solutions, we understand your desire […]

Whether you have kids now or plan to in the future, paying for college is something you've no doubt thought about. Real estate investors should be aware of the options they have when it comes to using their property to help pay for college tuition. In this article, we’ll discuss one method of paying for […]

If you are looking to save money for your golden years, it is likely that you have heard of an individual retirement account (IRA). These accounts allow you to invest your pre- or post-tax dollars in mutual funds, stocks and bonds. However, if you are looking for more – you might want to consider opening […]

In previous articles, we’ve discussed the main benefits of holding title to real estate investment property in a land trust. A land trust is just like a standard trust, except as the name implies, this type of trust holds title to real estate or real estate related assets. Real estate notes, deeds and other agreements […]

For those who want to save for retirement, a 401(k) account can help. If you are self-employed and do not have employees, you have the option of opening a self-directed 401(k) account. Unlike most company-sponsored accounts, a self-directed 401(k) offers you investment options that go well beyond mutual funds, stocks and bonds. In fact, your […]

A land trust is defined as an entity used to hold title to real estate. Unlike the standard trust, usually land trust doesn’t involve family. Also, a land trust offers versatility for real estate investors since they are allowed to hold not only real estate but real estate related assets such as real estate notes. […]

We’ve all known someone who has gone through the complicated foreclosure process. Over the past year the amount of monthly foreclosures has hovered between 60,000 and 80,000. Holding property in a land trust can add an extra layer of complexity to the already confusing foreclosure process. We are one of the only firms in the […]

Self-administering your retirement plan may sound daunting, but a self-directed solo 401(k) isn’t rocket science. Still, it does require strict compliance with both IRS and DOL regulations. Failure to comply can result in the IRS considering your retirement fund disbursed, penalizing you, and then taxing the disbursements. Be careful—the penalties can be high when you […]

There is no doubt – the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the governing body when it comes to your retirement account. For 2018, the IRS did not make any major changes. However, any change, regardless of size, it worth knowing. This is especially true when they affect your contribution limits. A Quick Note Before we […]

There is no doubt – the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the governing body when it comes to your retirement account. For 2018, the IRS did not make any major changes. However, any change, regardless of size, it worth knowing. This is especially true when they affect your contribution limits. A Quick Note On Retirement Accounts […]

Are your kids eyeing that expensive out-of-state college? Do you want to see a larger return on your individual retirement account (IRA) investments? Or do you want to quit working your 9-to-5 and start earning a profit on your own? Whatever the reason, if you are looking to diversify your investment portfolio, real estate is […]

When we talk about 401(k) plans having a life cycle, we mean that as literally as it can be meant. They are born, they exist, and then they’re terminated. It’s a useful analogy because it draws attention to the distinct stages of a 401(k) and creates a blueprint for managing it. What is a Solo […]

People often wonder if they can borrow money from their 401(k) plans. The answer is yes, but there are a number of things to bear in mind when you do. Firstly, the money that was paid into your 401(k) is your money, but it was allowed to accrue interest tax-free. In addition, money that you […]

When it comes to legal expenses, what can and cannot be claimed as a tax deduction can be confusing. In fact, the answer really depends on the nature of the legal expense itself. Whether you’ve formed a series Limited Liability Company (LLC) or are using your self-directed 401(k) to make real estate investments, Royal Legal […]

Most people know that an individual retirement account (IRA) allow plan owners to invest in mutual funds, stocks and bonds. An IRA can certainly grow your contributions and create a nice nest egg for your golden years. However, what many do not know, is that there is a way to invest in much more! A […]

If you have a  self-directed, or solo 401(k)—or what the IRS calls a one-participant 401(k)—you already know the taxman requires you to report accounts with more than $250,000 in annual assets. This is done through the IRS form 5500-EZ. If you are terminating a self-directed 401(k), whether it is associated with you as a sole-proprietor […]

As real estate investors ourselves, we understand how difficult it can be to keep up with all the compex legislation surrounding real estate. Today, we’ll discuss a piece of legislation that can seem intimidating at first, but is actually straight forward in its application. The Garn-St. Germain Depository Institutions Act (Garn-St. Germain Act) was enacted […]

At Royal Legal Solutions, taxes are always on our minds. We know what you are thinking. Tax season is months away! However, now is the time to start paying down any unpaid debt you may have. Why? Because certain types of debt will garnish your tax refund check before you even lay your hands on […]

In a perfect world, when you open an individual retirement account (IRA), you won't make withdrawals before the age of 59 ½. However, life does not always go according to plan. Sh*t happens. In most cases, if you withdraw funds from your IRA before the age of 59 ½, the Internal Revenue Service will consider […]

Charities often hold auctions as a way to gain valuable contributions that help better their cause. If you are a real estate investor, you may wonder whether your auction purchase at one of these charity events can be considered a deductible contribution. Below, Royal Legal Solutions helps clarify how charity donations work on your tax […]

We all make contributions to our individual retirement accounts (IRAs) with the intention of using those funds once we reach the age of 59 ½. However, death does not always go according to plan. Note: The information here pertains to Charles Schwab inherited IRAs, an eTrade inherited IRA, Ameritrade .... or even an inherited self-directed […]

A lot of old school CPAs still believe that you can’t use retirement vehicles like 401(k)s or IRAs to invest in real estate. They say this despite the fact that thousands of people all over the country are using retirement vehicles to do just that. And why not? Real estate is an excellent investment right […]

As an individual taxpayer, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows you to make certain deductions. For example, you can make miscellaneous itemized deductions in relation to expenses incurred during your employment. For the most part, taxpayers should only claim these deductions if they were not reimbursed by their employer for these expenses. Additionally, these expenses […]

As a business entity, tax laws can be rather confusing. While some of the tax codes, as established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), are straight forward, others can be complex. The professionals at Royal Legal Solutions understand how stressful filing taxes can be. We are here to help. When it comes to partner and […]

Designating funds for your retirement is a great step if you are planning for your future. You probably already know about the 401(k) and the individual retirement account (IRA). These plans allow owners to invest in various stocks, bonds and mutual funds. But for those of us who want a little more, there's another option: […]

When you open an individual retirement account (IRA), you do so as a way of saving for your golden years. An IRA allows you to invest in mutual funds, stocks and bonds. However, a self-directed IRA, also known as a SDIRA, permits much more. With your SDIRA, you can invest in real estate, private placements, […]

An individual retirement account (IRA) is set up to assist you with saving money for your golden years. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) permits you to begin making withdrawals from your account at the age of 59 and ½. Nevertheless, you can take withdrawals prior to this if you are willing to pay a penalty. […]

Your individual retirement account (IRA) is typically considered to be tax-exempt. However, when your IRA borrows money in a non-recourse loan, the owner must file the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 990-T and a Schedule E. They also must report the income generated by the loan as it may be subject to taxes. Filling Out […]

Your individual retirement account (IRA) is a great way to save for your future. A traditional IRA uses pre-tax dollars to invest in mutual funds, bonds and stocks. A Roth IRA, however, uses post-tax dollars to do this. With an IRA, you have limited choices you can invest in. However, with a self-directed IRA, also […]

When you open an individual retirement account, also known as an IRA, it is supposed to help you save for your golden years. After all, an IRA gives you the opportunity to grow your savings until you retire or reach the age of 59 ½. However, in some cases, the funds in your IRA may […]

Typically, rental real estate is a passive activity, reported on Schedule E, and is not subject to the self-employment tax (currently 15.3%). However, as we will learn with Airbnb properties, that is not always the case. When is an Airbnb REI Property Not Subject to the Self-Employment Tax? For starters, if you are renting part […]

The tax code can be a wonderful thing for real estate investors, especially for those who invest full-time. This is because there is a special rule that can save taxpayers, active in a real estate trade or business, thousands of dollars in taxes. Why is The Real Estate Professional Status so Important? As you may […]

Did you know that as a business owner, you are legally required to have a Registered Agent in the state that your real estate company is formed in? This is particularly true if you have set up an LLC or Series LLC outside of your state of residence. There are many good reasons why investors […]

No matter what walk of life you come from, you’ll probably be a tenant or a landlord at some point. As a tenant, you must stay on top of security deposits, rent increases, eviction policies as well as a number of state-specific ordinances. Landlords have a number of responsibilities to handle as well. While every […]

The dozens of day to day responsibilities required to be a landlord can cause important liability concerns to go unattended. Criminal acts and activities may not be an everyday occurrence, but that doesn’t mean landlords should wait for a crime to occur before they start thinking about protecting themselves from a lawsuit. More lawsuits are […]

Over several years of helping landlords fight and win cases, we’ve noticed that the term “protected classes” leads to a lot of confusion. In this educational guide, we’ll discuss what all landlords need to know about the Fair Housing Act’s protected classes. We’ll clarify what each protected class means and examples of potential discriminatory actions […]

Do you use arrest and conviction records to assess potential tenants before allowing them to rent your property? You might want to read this as a misstep can destroy your business and your life. The use of criminal history to assess existing and prospective tenants was delved into by a guidance memo published on April […]

You have a lot of leeway when it comes to screening potential tenants for your property. You can deny tenancy to an applicant based on their credit score, financial ability, renting history, and criminal history. However, it’s not an anything-goes affair.  The U.S. federal government does impose some limitations. There are some personal characteristics of […]

End-of-life matters are not always easy to think or talk about. However, making plans now, while you are healthy enough to do so, can save your loved ones time, money, and heartache. The last thing anyone wants to do is lose a loved one and then be immediately buried in legal matters regarding their possession, […]

No. Blog over. Just kidding, but the answer is correct. The logic behind this is fairly straightforward, but there are some things that need to be explained. Why an IRA LLC Manager Does Not Need a Real Estate License Some people have to have a real estate license to work in the business. For instance, […]

LLCs are magnificent legal creatures with a number of fantastic uses. One potential use is that they can act as an investment vehicle for your 401(k). They can also hold other LLCs. It is by no means out of the ordinary to establish a separate LLC for each property held in the 401(k). However, some […]

As a landlord, you may not understand what is expected of you when it comes to renting out your property to families with children. This is a protected status according to the federal housing discrimination laws. The FHA (Federal Housing Act) protects tenants from being discriminated against based on several protected classes that include familial […]

A land trust is a type of revocable living trust. Unlike a living trust, which can contain any types of assets, a land trust is for real estate or real estate-related items only. With a land trust, you are able to obscure your overall net worth. This is because the property contained within a land […]

There are going to be times when you’re required to take a distribution from your self-directed IRA. Whether the IRA was inherited or you’ve reached the maximum age, the IRS mandates that distributions be taken in order to satisfy the tax-deferred or tax-free status of the retirement account. This is generally known as an RMD (required […]

The Federal Housing Act prohibits landlords from discriminating based on color, race, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, and familial status. These attributes are referred to as a protected category. This means that you should avoid doing the following when dealing with tenants: Advertise or make statements indicating limitation or preference based on any of […]

If you want to protect your privacy and real estate assets, a land trust is a great way to do so. Why? A land trust inherently provides anonymity on public records related to the ownership of a property. For those investors looking for increased protections, however, a limited liability company (LLC) can help. Understanding the […]

For those who own a business and self-administer their own solo 401(k), there might be a point in time when you cease business operations or sell off the business. What happens to your solo 401(k) then? The solo 401(k) has to be terminated once there is no longer any business to sustain the plan. The […]

A land trust is a great way to own property while maintaining your anonymity. With a land trust, the ownership of the property is publicly listed under the name of the trust itself. A land trust has a designated trustee as well as at least one beneficiary. With most land trusts, the property owner is […]

A land trust provides owners with anonymity. This is one of the biggest benefits of establishing a land trust. However, this level of anonymity extends to the transfer of beneficial interest in trust as well. What is Beneficial Interest? Beneficial interest allows individuals or entities to receive benefits associated with assets held by another party. […]

There are some real estate investors that are secret because they use cash to buy their properties. They do this to keep it off the radar. However, the federal government will now be tracking these secret real estate investors because they feel that illicit money is going from hand to hand during these secret property […]

With the sheer prevalence of substance use disorders and addiction in the United States, most real estate investors will have to confront the issue of a tenant suffering from the disease of addiction at some point. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that one out of every eight of American adults are currently struggling with […]

The Series LLC will work it's much like a parent/child structure. At the very top, you'll have your parent, the series LLC. The state assigns an EIN number and an official formation document for the state (Delaware, Nevada, Texas, etc). Below the series LLC, you have the actual individual series. You'll have series A, series […]

Real estate investors, like anyone else, need peace of mind and financial security by the time they retire. Luckily, there are a lot of great retirement plan options available today. The most well known types include an individual retirement account (IRA) or a 401(k) plan as offered by an employer. These plans allow account owners […]

While there are some landlords out there who make a career out of being a landlord, most folks who rent out properties do so because it’s a lucrative form of investment. They own one or a few rental properties and are largely self-educated when it comes to the legal side of the business. In other […]

There are many valid reasons why a landlord may need to enter a tenant's property. Perhaps the landlord must assist with maintenance or a necessary repair, enter to take pest control measures, or even help attend to an emergency involving the tenant. Of course, these reasons must be balanced against the rights of tenants to […]

Are you thinking about the best way to save for your retirement? If so, there are several options available to you. It is likely your company has offered you the opportunity to invest in an individual retirement account (IRA) or a 401(k) plan. Traditionally, these options are provided through a pre-selected firm chosen by your […]

Even a good landlord occasionally finds themselves in a tricky situation. When a tenant injures themselves, there are a number of situations in which a landlord could find themselves liable for the injuries. This is especially true in instances when the tenant has just moved in. Central to the question of liability for premises and […]

Real estate investors often serve as their own landlords. If you're doing this with your real estate investment properties, it is crucial to understand your role and the legal obligations that come with it. One of your primary duties will be the maintenance and repair of your property. Staying on top of maintenance is essential […]

When it comes to having a land trust with someone you are close to, using a power of attorney with a land trust is a good idea. A Power of Attorney, or a POA, is someone who acts on behalf of you. This is a good thing to have in case you are out of […]

Wise real estate investors know the importance of guarding against lawsuits. You may already employ an asset protection strategy to protect your investments. Even so, it is always a good idea to be familiar with the laws governing landlord-tenant relationships in your state. You can search your state's website to read the text of the […]

If you're a real estate investor, you need ways to protect your assets. A common asset protection strategy for a is to have one property per LLC. That makes sense because if you have a lawsuit with one property, you don't want it affecting your other assets. That limits your downside risk. So in this […]

Planning for your retirement while you are still young and able-bodied enough to work is a great idea. Using an individual retirement account (IRA) or 401(k) are some of the most recognized means of benchmarking funds for the day you retire. With an IRA or 401(k) plan, you are able to invest in stocks, bonds, […]

Mold is a serious problem in a number of older homes. Not only can mold aggravate your tenant’s allergies, but it can decrease their quality of life, reduce their productivity at work, and even present serious health problems. For landlords, no matter where you live in the U.S., it’s your responsibility to ensure that the […]

  Becoming Judgment-Proof Against Litigation Becoming Judgement-proof may sound strange, but as a real estate investor you are in one of the most litigated industries in the United States of America. The United states is one of the most litigious countries in the world. You are exposed, especially if you hold assets in your personal […]

Are you saving for your retirement years? For many, a 401(k) allows them to benchmark and grow their retirement account. Unlike an individual retirement account (IRA) or a traditional 401(k), a solo 401(k) allows you to invest in much more than just mutual funds, bonds and stocks. Real estate, precious metals, private placements, renewable energy […]

Lead-based paint and heavy metal poisoning are one hazard that the government will expect landlords either to have professionally removed or disclose before renting out the property to tenants. This is going to be especially vital for tenants who are renting with children. Children suffering serious injuries due to lead poisoning has to be a […]

Saving for your retirement is a great way to ensure you have a source of income even after you end your career. A 401(k) is a fairly standard way of doing this. With a 401(k), pre-tax dollars are taken from your wages and applied directly to your plan’s investments. Often, your employer will match this […]

If you have a self-directed, or solo 401(k)—or what the IRS calls a one-participant 401(k)—one of the benefits that may have attracted you to this type of retirement account was the tax-free growth potential. A solo 401(k) allows account owners to leverage a wider range of investments than a traditional retirement account. In fact, account owners […]

Your 401(k) investment account is one of the best ways to benchmark funds for your retirement. While a traditional account will allow you to invest in mutual funds, bonds, and stocks – a self-directed, or solo 401(k), offers you many more investment opportunities. With a solo 401(k), you can invest in virtually anything, including real […]

The basics of asset protection comes down to two parts. One is we separate the investor's assets from the operations. All of the assets are held in one company. And this particular company doesn't interact with anybody, doesn't do anything, and has no contact with the outside world. You hold your real estate assets under […]

Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and 401(k) accounts are two of the most well known types of retirement accounts available today. However, self-directed, or solo, 401(k) accounts are growing in popularity and there are plenty of reasons why. Not only can you invest in traditional things, like stocks, bonds and mutual funds – you can also […]

If you’ve got money, people want it. Lawsuits are one of the easiest, yet still legal, ways for people to take your money. The more money you have the more likely it is someone will try to take it from you in a lawsuit. The same applies to your LLC if you have one. The more […]

It can be frustrating to see your retirement account grow while you struggle with personal debt. With an individual retirement account (IRA) or self-directed IRA (SDIRA) that is all you can do. However, with a self-directed 401(k), being able to take a personal loan is one of the many benefits you can enjoy. This many […]

If you are researching the legalities of using their self-directed IRA  for different kinds of investments, you’ll be happy to know that there aren’t very many prohibited investments. On the other hand, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) were designed as vehicles for passive earnings and more specifically, for retirement security. There is some wiggle room here, but […]

Roth IRAs, while primarily used for the purposes of retirement, can also be useful for estate planning. The main difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA is that distributions from a Roth account are not taxed. Contributions to the Roth are taxed. Furthermore, traditional IRAs may be converted to Self-Directed Roth IRA accounts. […]

The maximum contribution for a self-directed IRA remains $5,500 per year for those who are under 50 years of age and $6,500 per year for those who are 50 or over. Roth IRAs can also be limited depending on your income. For a Roth IRA, the more you make, the less money you are allowed […]

When it comes to creating your own business or even forming one that already exists and putting it under your name, there are a few things you need to know. You may want to form your business under an LLC or a Series LLC. An LLC stands for Limited Liability Corporation and it is slightly […]

One of the best things about rolling over your retirement assets into a self-directed IRA is that it opens up a number possibilities in terms of investment options. Typically, IRAs avail their holders to a small set of options, usually mutual funds and bonds. Holders of a self-directed IRA, however, can invest in: Real estate […]

Everything should be kept on record when doing business. It is always a smart idea to have everything in writing to ensure it is all done right. The same goes for a series LLC and a regular LLC business. Whether you have a one owner business or multiple owners in your business, you need to […]

An individual retirement account (IRA) is a well-known and popular means of saving for your golden years. A lesser-known option, called a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) is another option. A Self-Directed Roth IRA is something else entirely, which we'll get to in a minute. While an IRA permits account owners to invest in mutual funds, bonds […]

There are many firms available today to help you establish and manage an individual retirement account (IRA). However, if you are interested in opening a self-directed IRA (SDIRA), you will need to find one of the few firms that have qualified custodians on their staff. Because a SDIRA offers both more freedoms, but also larger […]

I’ve been harping on for years about the importance of setting up a land trust for your real estate investments. Today I want to touch on one of the issues many real estate investors struggle with – how to borrow money using a land trust. There are times when you may want to borrow money […]

For many small business owners, closing down a business can be a daunting task. This is especially true if your business has incurred a large amount of debt. For most businesses, having some portion of your debts forgiven or filing for bankruptcy are the first thoughts. Bankruptcy is a serious, expensive and time-consuming court option […]

One of the most underutilized ways to invest using your self-directed IRA is to purchase tax liens and deeds. Any assets purchased with your IRA are, as always, tax-deferred. As more people come to realize that liens and deeds are a lucrative option, they’re becoming more popular as an investment. Still, there are a number […]

When you are ready to start your own business and place it under a Series LLC, you do need to put money into it to make it a profitable one. When funding your Series LLC, you will be better off putting the money into a bank account for your business. There is more than one […]

Forming a land trust is a no-brainer for the savvy real estate investor. It helps keep the ownership of the property private and consequently insulates you from litigation. With a land trust asset protection strategy in place, the land title office is not able to disclose who owns the property. This comes in handy when […]

Setting up a self-directed 401(k) may seem like an intimidating process. We’ve worked with many clients who are convinced of the self-directed 401(k)’s benefits, but aren’t quite sure where to get started. These four steps can help you get started. Today, we’ll cover the basics of setting up a self-directed 401(k) and throw in some […]

An individual retirement account, or IRA, is a vital way to save for your future. An IRA allows account owners to invest in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. While those avenues can create a large nest egg, a self-directed IRA, also known as a SDIRA, gives investors a range of options that are worth looking […]

One thing I tell all my clients is that they need to put their investment properties into a land trust—rental property assets included. A land trust is a very simple and inexpensive instrument for purchasing and retaining title to a property. The privacy a land trust affords you is one of the key elements of […]

If you are going out of business, owe a significant amount of money to one or many parties, trying to figure out how you will pay your bills and get out of debt can be incredibly stressful. At Royal Legal Solutions, we often field many frustrated questions about how to pay off debt when closing […]

Among the many different kinds of IRAs that you can now open, add a self-directed IRA with full checkbook control. What is that, you ask? Traditional self-directed IRAs require that you run all investments through a custodian. Real estate and others who want to control their financial destiny can opt for a self-directed checkbook control […]

There is more to liquidating your business assets than just posting a yard sale sign. Below, Royal Legal Solutions help you better understand the scope of liquidation and how to best order the chaos a closing business may be going through. Identify Your Business Assets Before you start selling off your business assets, you should […]

There are my kinds of retirement plans available today. An individual retirement account (IRA) is one of the most well known. A self-directed IRA (SDIRA) may not be as well known, though it can afford you greater investment opportunities and return potential. As with an IRA, there are different types of SDIRAs. Traditional and Roth […]

For years now, I’ve been telling people to use land trusts for their real estate investments. Not only does it provide protection from creditors but it also prevents them from using the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act to access your assets. It’s also a great way to discourage would-be litigators from suing you since your name […]

When you decide to close your business, it is not as easy as simply pinning a “Closed for Business” sign on the front door. From settling debts to distributing assets, there are many things you will need to do before moving on. Royal Business Solutions understands how turbulent this time can be for you. Selling […]

There are two main documents to establish when forming an LLC. First is the articles of organization. Next, is the operations agreement. While the operations agreement is a critical document that outlines the LLC’s processes, members aren't required to file this document with their state. Meanwhile, the articles of organization are a state requirement. Note […]

Self-directed IRAs avail investors to a number of great investment choices. One of those happens to be real estate. Since the passing of ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) in 1974, anyone with the capital can invest in real estate using the tax-deferred status of their IRA. There are some restrictions to this, but these […]

Today, we’ll be discussing how LLCs are taxed. One of the most important terms to understand in order to grasp how taxes work with an LLC is “pass through entity.” In these entities, both profits and losses “pass through” the LLC towards each LLC member. Members then report profits and losses on their own personal […]

Special allocations are often the trickiest things to deal with when it comes to a traditional LLC. However, by not understanding the intricacies of special allocations, you are missing out on one of the most valuable benefits of an LLC. An LLC provides flexibility. Special allocations are a prime example of this flexibility. Here’s how […]

Most employers offer their employees retirement accounts. An individual retirement account (IRA) is one of the most popular choices. These accounts allow owners to invest in bonds, stocks and mutual funds. A self-directed IRA (SDIRA), however, offers much more. A SDIRA permits owners to invest in almost anything, including real estate, precious metals, private businesses […]

Closing your business can be a very stressful time. Not only are you shutting down a chapter of your life, but you also must notify those you have done business with, such as supplies, customers, and banks. The experts at Royal Legal Solutions truly understand how hard the final days of business ownership can be. […]

One of the best asset protection companies for real estate investors is the Series LLC. It's been around since 1996, originally started in Delaware but it spread through a number of states now. This allows you to form a Series LLC in their state and use the company in any state. First, learn about the […]

How to Protect Your IRA in Two Steps People will tell you that your IRA is safe and they're wrong. Your IRA is only safe from a lawsuit against you and somebody coming after your IRA. If your IRA is invested in an asset class such as real estate where it can be sued, the […]

Self-directed IRAs are a specialized kind of IRA that allows investors to broaden the scope of their investments. For example, traditional IRAs are generally limited to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Self-directed IRAs, so long as certain criteria are met, can hold things like businesses, real estate, tax liens, and a great deal more on […]

An IRA rollover is the transfer of funds from one account into an IRA. A Rollover IRA is a retirement account capable of accepting those funds. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) permits a number of ways for individuals to transfer funds from one qualified plan to another. However, the provisions for these plans […]

Forming an LLC with partners can be a lot like a marriage. What partners expect during the duration of the partnership are more clearly expressed than what’s expected when things end. In an LLC, the operations agreement is where these expectations regarding roles and responsibilities are expressed. However, like in a marriage, partners often don’t […]

If you have an individual retirement account (IRA), you probably already know that it is a great way to save for when you retire. Through your IRA, you can invest in stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Your IRA is governed by regulations established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). While the IRS does not dictate […]

Retirement plans are confusing enough. Understanding contribution limits, picking mutual funds and simply setting up your plan can be overwhelming. To complicate it further are the different types of plans from traditional IRAs to 401(k)s. Today, I’m going to highlight two plans that all self-employed folks should know about, the self-directed 401(k) and the Solo […]

One of the key elements of asset protection is financial privacy. The only way a savvy real estate investor can keep their financial matters private is by not making the extent of their holdings public. This is why we recommend holding property in a land trust. Trusts take the ownership of assets out of your […]

LLCs Can Function as Pass-Through Entities The LLC, or Series LLC, has the easiest tax returns for a single member. It's known as a pass through-entity. This means that all of the income from your company's able to be recorded on your personal income tax return. You don't have to pay thousands of dollars to […]

Single-member LLCs must pay a self-employment tax along with their standard tax on gross income. In fact, 92.35% of net earnings from self-employment, or practically all of the LLC owner’s income is taxed. The reason single-member LLC owners are required to pay self-employment taxes is because earnings aren’t considered a salary. By default, earning are […]

Self-directed IRAs offer the best of many worlds. That includes having full custodianship over the IRA trust and the ability to make any decisions concerning the trust. For instance, buying and selling a property can be as easy as writing a check. Any gains made from the sale are paid to the trust tax-free. The […]

An IRA rollover is the transfer of funds from one account into an IRA. A Rollover IRA is a retirement account capable of accepting those funds. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) permits a number of ways for individuals to transfer funds from one qualified plan to another. However, the provisions for these plans can get […]

Since the 1970’s, the traditional LLC has been the business entity of choice for smart business owners and investors. These popular LLCs are a type of “pass through” entity that make up a huge chunk of U.S. companies. Don’t waste hours going down the LLC rabbit hole. In this article, we’ll review three LLC basics […]

We’ve already discussed the benefits of a self-directed 401(k) plan. Now you may be wondering if you’re eligible for this plan and all its benefits. In this post, I’ll discuss self-directed 401(k) eligibility requirements and give some examples. Eligibility requirements for self-employed individuals are a bit complex, so read on for a quick summary. Employer […]

Were you aware that nearly 90% of retirement assets are invested in the financial markets? There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with that, but for those who have set up a self-directed IRA, there are numerous other opportunities with which to diversity. One of those is precious metals. There’s a number of excellent reasons to consider precious […]

How to Protect Yourself in a Joint Venture Deal Whenever you going into a joint venture deal, you'll almost always be inside an LLC where you'll be a partial owner of that company. A lot of times you're protected because the property's going to be owned by a limited liability company (LLC). So if anybody […]

If you’re a sole proprietor and you’re wondering precisely how Uncle Sam takes his cut of your earnings, the answer is simple. You, as the operator of your business, report your income on your personal income tax return. The business itself is not taxed independently of your earnings. The IRS refers to this as “pass-through” […]

There are some cases where a couple who run a business together wouldn’t be interested in creating a formal business entity. The question then becomes: can that business, being run by a married couple, be considered a sole proprietorship? The answer is yes. The IRS allows a lone exemption for married couples who want to […]

The self-directed 401(k) is attractive because it provides options. The variety of investment options available are limited only by your own creativity. We’ve seen investors revamp their boring old retirement portfolio with a number of new and promising investments in self-directed 401(k)s. However, just because the grocery store carries a dozen candy brands doesn’t mean […]

First things first: An EIN is your business’s federal employer identification number. It’s a nine-digit number assigned to you by the IRS for the purpose of filing taxes. For obvious reasons, corporations, LLCs, and other business entities must use EINs. Sole proprietors, on the other hand, can simply use their social security number. There are, […]

How Real Estate Investors Lose Money Real estate investors lose money in two ways. The first is because the actually made a bad investment. The second is because somebody took it from them. And they can do that easily through a lawsuit. Lawsuits are basically just legalized stealing. So one of the key things that […]

  How Title Insurance Works Anytime you transfer property, you must consider the title insurance implications. Title Insurance will generally being validated upon the transfer of the property. However, title insurance isn't invalidated. If you transfer the property to a wholly owned LLC, that is an LLC that is completely owned by you, the person […]

There are two major rules to keep in mind when dealing with a self-directed 401k. These rules govern other popular retirement plans. First, are the rules related to prohibited investments. Second, are rules related to “prohibited transactions.” The latter are a bit more nuanced, which is why I’ll give an overview and specific examples of […]

A fictitious business name (FBN) is a trade name for a sole proprietor. They can also be called assumed names or DBAs (doing business as). Most states have rules concerning FBNs and the first rule, of course, is that the name must be registered. Typically, this is done with the county clerk and is handled […]

Many business ventures will fail in the early stages, often because of funding issues at the outset. Surviving the startup phase requires sufficient capital to cover expenses and a business plan to entice potential investors. The question then becomes: How can you approach LLC funding beyond simply having a good idea and a winning smile? […]

Record keeping for LLCs is significantly less demanding than corporations. Nonetheless, certain rules must be followed in order to keep IRS happy and maintain LLC status. While laws will vary from state to state on what documents need to be kept, there are some basics that are universal to all states and represent good practice […]

One of my first jobs out of college was also one of my first to offer benefits. Besides familiarizing myself with our healthcare and retirement benefits, I was responsible for keeping track of any upcoming changes in our benefit offerings. Along with a gym membership and commuter benefits, the self-directed 401(k) was one of the […]

A fraudulent conveyance happens when someone illegally transfers assets or property into someone else's name, such as spouse, friend or family member, or even a business partner, in an attempt to avoid creditors. If they are selling your property or other assets to someone they know for an insignificant amount of money, they are either […]

Having a land trust is a good idea for property owners and real estate investors. Land trusts are especially a good idea in case you own more than one property and don't want everyone to know you own so many properties. You can choose whoever you want for your land trust.  However, it should be […]

When it comes to having a land trust with someone you are close to, using a power of attorney with a land trust is a good idea. A power of attorney, or a POA, is someone who acts on behalf of you. This is a good thing to have in case you are out of […]

An irrevocable land trust is different from a revocable trust. The difference between the two is that once the grantor or the trust owner signs his assets and property over to the beneficiary, he or she has no say in the trust without the beneficiary's permission. This means that the grantor cannot modify or get […]

Today I’ll shed some light on an aspect of land trust that may seem so simple, it’s often overlooked. The naming of a land trust shouldn’t take much time, but it should be done with some care. The main thing to consider when naming your trust should be maintaining privacy. Below are some naming tips […]

LLC stands for limited liability corporation and it is a business structure that combines that of a sole proprietor with a limited liability of a corporation. It combines the taxation of the two together. Being a manager of an LLC means you are not liable for fraudulent statements for the LLC, however. The reason for […]

Florida is one of six states (along with Illinois, Indiana, Virginia, North Dakota and Hawaii) that have specific statutes allowing a land trust to hold title to real estate. These statutes go back to 1963. Today, Florida land trusts are covered under the state’s 2006 Land Trust Act. Although the laws regarding land trusts in […]

The history of land trust goes back to medieval England. The prevalence of lengthy wars, such as the Crusades, led landowners to construct a way to delegate management of their land while they were away and in the likely case of death. Through a trust, landowners could delegate management rights to a trustee. The trustee […]

The land trust is an ideal vehicle for anonymous property ownership. It can also provide an easier probate process and potential protection against lawsuits. Setting up a land trust is also a fairly straightforward process, requiring only two main documents: a deed to trustee and the land trust agreement. Land trusts are valid in all […]

Although choosing a trustee for your land trust is an important thing you have to do for your property or assets, it is also a hard decision to make. Should you choose a private trustee or a banker or other institution? Although it may seem like an easy task, it isn't. Let's look at how […]

Although choosing a trustee for your land trust is an important thing you have to do for your property or assets, it is also a hard decision to make. Should you choose a private trustee or a banker or other institution? Although it may seem like an easy task, it isn't. Here is some more […]

If you're a real estate investor and you own assets in your personal name, you need to pick up the clue phone. It's ringing. You're in the most litigated industry and the most litigious country in the world. Do you really want to own assets in a way that allows anybody with a good lawyer […]

A limited liability company (LLC) is a great way to protect personal property while simultaneously saving on taxes. A series LLC is a multi-tier business structure, which creates a parent-child hierarchy. Typically, the parent series LLC is filed with the state. Once that has been done and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has provided a […]

Most of us would find out pretty quickly if ordinary thieves broke into our homes or rental properties. But did you know that the paper trail of real estate ownership alone can attract identity thieves? This threat is something real estate investors must be aware of and vigilant about. Just as you wouldn't leave a […]

If you're thinking about establishing a land trust for asset protection, you may already know that one common misconception is that land trusts should be used for dishonest purposes. I'd like to look at some ethical concerns around the use of land trusts, and thoroughly bust the myth that land trusts are dishonest by nature. […]

When it comes to setting up a land trust, the best time to set one up is as soon as you purchase your property. The reason for doing this is to keep your name off the property records. Not only will this protect your property from creditors, but it will also keep them from using […]

Advantages of Having an LLC Over Insurance For Asset Protection Insurance will not protect you from most lawsuits that will happen regarding the transaction of your buying and selling of real estate. Every time that you're entering into a contract. Every time you actually sell a piece of property, every time you lease to a […]

When it comes to land trusts, California is unique in that it doesn’t put them under the two typical legal categories: Case Law - Laws based on the results of previous cases. Statute Law - Laws established by specific statutes. However, the state does acknowledge the validity of land trusts. California land trust laws aren’t […]

Establishing a formal business entity is a great way for entrepreneurs or investors to protect their assets and earnings. Depending on the type of business you establish, there are various requirements that must be fulfilled in order to maintain liability protection. The series LLC operating agreement is where these details are contained. A corporation, for […]

If you're allergic to legalese, like many investors, you may not be familiar with Tenancy by the Entireties (TbyE). There's no need to be terribly intimidated by the acronym. TbyE simply refers to a method of ownership that is exclusive to married couples. Keep reading to learn more about TbyE and its implications in a […]

A 401(k) is one of the most common ways for individuals to save for their golden years. These funds, which are typically started with pre-tax contributions from your paycheck and your employer, are subject to several regulations from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Both the IRS and your employer can affect the investment options available […]

When you use a land trust, you're opting in to a legal construct that most attorneys don't deal with regularly. This is foreign territory for many lawyers who aren't investors themselves. Some of the practical benefits of using a land trust come from strategically employing beneficial shares. Today, we'll break down the concept of beneficial […]

Even experienced investors are often unaware of the ins and outs of the land trust, even if they are hip to its many benefits. Today, we're going to talk about the sales process. What happens when you want to sell property in a land trust? Are there legal implications you should be aware of? If […]

A lot of our clients are too damn busy to handle the day-to-day management of assets and property. They may be out of town for business reasons. Maybe they are simply not very good with up with assets and property management. In other cases, there are legitimate health reasons. You can use a trust to […]

The contributions made to a traditional 401(k) account established by your employer are obvious. They are typically made with your pre-tax dollars and matched, or partially matched, by your employer. The benefits of using pre-tax dollars make these types of contributions ideal. Your 401(k) is also one that benefits from being a tax-deferred investment account. […]

A 401(k) is an important way to save for your golden years. While many Americans have heard of 401(k) plans because it is part of their employer’s benefits package, few have heard of a self-directed 401(k) plan. These two types of accounts are similar in many ways. However, a self-directed 401(k) plan provides you with […]

Real Estate Investors Can't Just Rely On Insurance [00:08] Insurance companies are basically a criminal business. Their whole business model is built around collecting premiums from you and denying coverage whenever it is that you asked for something that they should otherwise cup, and the reality of the situation is if you have a big […]

Land trusts give an investor a wide array of potentially useful tools. One of those tools is selling property in a land trust, or selling the beneficial interest (as opposed to selling or transferring the deed itself). The beneficial interest in a land trust is considered personal property as opposed to real property, like the […]

Limiting your liability is an important factor when you start a business. Because of this, many entrepreneurs start with a limited liability company (LLC) or an S corporation. But which one is right for you? Similarities Between A Series LLC and an S Corporation There are many similarities between an LLC and an S Corp. […]

community property Does California recognize land trusts? Yes, but California real estate investors face certain regulations and restrictions in their home state. Land trusts (read: What Are Land Trusts?) are not subject to the same burdensome tax obligations as, say, an in-state LLC. In fact, the fact that they are relatively new means that there […]

How to Protect Real Estate Equity If you have equity in your property, you're at risk. The reality of the situation is that equity is what people are looking for whenever they wanna sue you. There's a couple of different ways that you can protect yourself against this. One is that you could actually take […]

A self-directed 401(k) is a great way to save for retirement. Unlike the typical 401(k) plan set up by an employer, a self-directed one allows for a much more diverse investment portfolio. A self-directed 401(k) also grants you more control over your investment decisions. In fact, because it is self-directed, you have total control. This […]

A lot of folks often wonder whether or not a trustee of a land trust has personal liability under EPA or other Federal regulations. The answer is no—with some caveats. When the trustee acts at the behest of a beneficiary, or whoever holds the power of direction, then the trustee would be themselves insulated from […]

Entering the business world through the establishing your own company can be a scary, but exciting time. There are papers to file, fees to pay, and regulations to abide by. For small business owners, a limited liability company (LLC) is often an ideal option. A Series LLC can be even more appealing. These LLCs allow […]

A limited liability company (LLC) is a popular way for entrepreneurs to file a business entity. A LLC offers owners a level of flexibility not provided through the formation of other types of businesses. As its name implies, an LLC also affords owners limited liability that can help protect them from incurred debt or lawsuits […]

Saving for your retirement is one of the best ways to prepare yourself for the next phase of your life. Your investment choices can limit or enhance your portfolio. Different types of retirement accounts provide you with varying degrees of control and opportunities. A traditional individual retirement account (IRA), for example, puts your account primarily […]

The “trust situs” is the technical legal term for where a trust is located. It’s typical for the situs of a land trust to be located in the home of the settlor (the trustor). Under certain conditions, it can be to the advantage of the settlor to establish the situs of the trust outside of […]

Tenancy by the Entirety (which is abbreviated T by E or TBE) is a holding title in which a married couple each own 100% of the interest in a property. It is distinct from joint ownership insofar as it can only be used by married couples, and the agreement must be broken by both spouses […]

  A common asset protection strategy for a real estate investor as to have one property per LLC. And that makes sense because if you have a lawsuit with one property, you don't want it affecting your other assets. Say we have one LLC with Property A held inside of it and a completely different […]

There are a number of good reasons why an investor would want to look into a land trust. A land trust involves the transfer of a property’s title over to a trustee. The trustee is usually referred to as a settlor. In a land trust arrangement, the beneficiary has ultimate control over the relationship and […]

There are some real estate investors that are secret because they use cash to buy their properties. They do this to keep it off the radar. However, the federal government will now be tracking these secret real estate investors because they feel that illicit money is going from hand to hand during these secret property […]

Retirement investment accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s are subject to regulations dictated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). No surprise there, right? Because of this, the various types of retirement accounts have very specific investment and distribution guidelines, which they must abide by or owners will be faced with penalties, fines and taxes. Retirement […]

A land trust, or what they call a Title Holding Trust in Illinois, is a trust that a person, or grantor, creates to put his or her real estate property, personal property, or assets in another person's name. This grantor, uses a land trust to protect his or her property or assets from creditors. Once […]

There are a host of benefits to using a Series LLC. It truly is the entity that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for tax perks, operational or administrative benefits, easy ways to grow your business, or asset protection, the Series LLC has you covered. Read on to learn more about these and some […]

Regular readers know our firm absolutely loves the Series LLC. It's among the most versatile and powerful entities for real estate investors, or anyone with a growing business in need of asset protection. Today, we're addressing how the Series LLC holds up over time. So, can your Series LLC live on forever? Why would you […]

The Series LLC is a remarkably powerful tool, but it isn't a panacea. Few things in life are perfect, and the Series LLC is no exception. No entity, legal tool, or strategy is one-size-fits-all. Today, we're going to discuss some of the drawbacks of using a Series LLC. This post should help you determine if […]

The Series LLC comes with so many awesome features for real estate investors that some of us think it's darn-near magical. While it's certainly a powerful structure with plenty of useful applications, even the Series LLC is forced to acknowledge a power greater than itself. No, we aren't talking about you. We're talking, of course, […]

The Series LLC is beloved by investors and business people for its versatility and a broad range of benefits. However, it isn't a universal structure yet. Not all states allow the in-state formation of Series LLCs. Below, we'll go over which states do not permit Series LLCs. We'll also tell you what you can do […]

Whether you're a veteran investor, or a new investor just beginning to build your real estate empire, the series LLC for real estate investors has many features and benefits you should know about. If you've been using a traditional LLC for asset protection and have never heard of the series version, prepare to have your […]

Real estate investors that do well are smart folks, but it can be hard for smart people to admit they aren't experts at everything. Many of us have successful careers outside of investing. Maybe you're a CPA, or a neurosurgeon, or an attorney like myself. But smart people like ourselves need to be mindful that […]

Property, LLC, and Company Structure As a real estate investor, you have to understand that lawsuits are a business and they're serious. Insurance will not protect you from most lawsuits that will happen regarding the transaction of your buying and selling of real estate. Every time you're entering into a contract, every time you actually […]

This is one of a multi-part series on the Self-Directed IRA. Depending on how familiar you are with the account type already, you may already know that the Self-Directed IRA one of the best retirement solutions. This is particularly true for experienced investors and self-employed individuals. Even if you're neither of these yet, you'll still […]

It's not a secret to the bigger pockets community that I'm a big fan of the Roth IRA, but I love its features so much that I'm doing writing about it again. If you haven't already read my previous Roth IRA piece, it serves as a good primer. The information below, however, will illustrate some […]

My clients are always asking me what the deal is with the individual retirement account (IRA).  Don't worry if you're totally lost when it comes to retirement accounts. I spend a lot of my time addressing all sorts of IRA-related queries. Like if it's a good idea to get one even if you're young. Or […]

Hello, fellow investors. Every new year, I get many questions about IRA contribution limits and what changes have taken effect. This year, there have been many more questions than usual about this subject, as well as the new tax laws.  Don't worry, there's an article in the works about how these new tax laws will […]

Setting up land trusts for each investment property you own is essential. One benefit of the land trust is to keep ownership of the property private. This way, the land title office can no longer let the whole world know that you own the property. Many people can enjoy privacy of ownership and do so for […]

Real estate investors love multiunit properties. These rental properties are in high demand, with renters scrambling to find duplexes, fourplexes, and of course, traditional apartment complexes in the parts of town close to work and play. Multiunit investments are also surging in popularity in part because they are more resistant to inflation than traditional single-family […]

Many landowners often ask whether or not they should form a land trust with multiple beneficiaries. Although you might think they should be able to do something like this, the answer to this question is simply no. Why? The main reason for this is because the legal system sees this as forming partnerships. You shouldn't […]

A land trust is an agreement between the person who owns property (or properties) and the person they designate to have the property placed in their name. One reason for a land trust is to provide the property owner with privacy. This way the whole world won't be notified that you own property.  However, does […]

Should You Worry About the Due on Sale Clause? Despite what you might read on the internet, don't worry about the due-on-sale clause. The fact is is, since before 1960, we haven't seen any bank foreclose based upon a violation of the due-on-sale clause while the note's performing. The fact is is that banks are […]

When in search of a beneficiary for land, such as a land trust, you may consider having your children be their land trust beneficiary. But should a minor be the beneficiary of a land trust? When it comes to your minor children, the answer to this question is up to you and your specific situation. […]

The rumors are true, folks: everything really is bigger in Texas. This can be a double-edged sword for real estate investors in Texas, because while the state has many big opportunities for investors of any budget, the lawsuit business is also big. And real estate investors are more likely to be sued than the average […]

A pass through entity is a business structure, such as an LLC, Series LLC, or S-corporation. We use the term “pass through” because you can claim the income of these types of businesses on your personal income tax returns. Ordinarily, you would have to file a separate return for your business (or businesses). The chief […]

Real estate is big business all over the country, but savvy California investors must be aware of the limitations and unique concerns they face under state law. While California is a popular place for residents and investors alike due to its scenic nature and abundance of real estate opportunities. However, the state is not known […]

  Rich people employ asset protection specialists to make sure that their wealth is preserved from any particular lawsuit. How do we protect the assets and keep people from finding out about them? We do this is by using anonymous trust. You already know about the LLC and the protections that an LLC is going […]

Land trusts are incredibly useful for real estate investors. They allow clever investors to remain anonymous, prevent lawsuits, and manage investments. They offer many more financial and legal perks. With all of those sexy benefits, it's no wonder real estate investors want to know more about them. So this article is here to guide you […]

Today we're reviewing trusts in every sense of the word.  When you form a land trust,  you have to deal with both types of trust: the legal structure, as well as the concept of mutual honesty, respect, and confidence.   You're lucky if you can find even a few truly honorable and loyal friends and […]

The self-directed IRA is a widely popular option for real estate investing. Investors can enjoy high yields, while hedging themselves against stock market uncertainties. However, there are some pitfalls to avoid. Knowing these common pitfalls can help make managing your investments easier and more cost-efficient. Common Pitfalls Pitfall One: Prohibited Transactions “Self-dealings” are defined by […]

A business trust is an IRS-approved entity for handling IRA investment funds. With a business trust, the investor becomes the trustee and gains management rights over investment funds. We’ve seen investors gain checkbook control over their self-directed IRA using this method. Besides more control, investors can enjoy reduced cost and investor confidentiality. Let’s discuss these […]

Many real estate investors aren't sure if they are "investors" or "dealers" in the eyes of the IRS. The distinction is important because a dealer does not enjoy the 1031 exchange benefits that an investor has. You may not know it, but you might be disqualified from taking advantage of the 1031 exchange. You may […]

A typical real estate investor should be looking at a three-company structure. The first of these companies should be a buy and hold LLC. The buy and hold LLC is going to be for long-term rentals. It's going to hold a number of different properties that you will be holding for longer than a year. […]

It's time to talk about the f-word: foreclosure. Foreclosure is a fear for any property owner, and during the housing crisis became something of a collective national nightmare. Wise investors often take advantage of land trusts for investment properties because they offer a broad range of specific benefits. Among these is the fact that land […]

Unless you've been living under a rock or abstained from cable news for your own mental health, you're probably familiar with identity theft. Identity theft is an all-too-common criminal act that has steadily been on the rise over the past three decades in particular. The sad reality is that anyone with clean credit, wealth, or […]

Chances are if you're reading this, you already know a little bit about land trusts. Maybe you've even taken the next step and secured some of your real estate investments in a land trust. But if you're new to investing or land trusts, you may not be aware of the fact that you can actually […]

When you have an individual retirement account (IRA), you may believe your investments are protected. After all, if you are not a doctor, corporate executive or professional in a litigation-prone field, you may feel there is little that could cause you to lose your assets when it comes to investing. Are My Assets at Risk? […]

The Land Trust is a lesser-known but incredibly powerful legal tool for real estate investors. It gives you a range of legal protections that most investors need, whether they know it or not. Land Trusts protect your anonymity, help manage your properties, and can even assist you in the financing process. Let's look at some […]

Are you a landlord? Do you run your business in a haphazard and lax manner with no regard to how your tenants and other potential litigants perceive you? Are you totally clueless about how to reduce risks and limit personal liability? Then you’re what we refer to in legal circles as a high-profile target. You’re […]

We’ve already went over the finer points of Bitcoin investing using a self-directed IRA. However, cryptocurrency is such a new retirement investment that even those with prior experience face questions. Today, we’re answering three major questions in this handy Q and A guide. Don’t let your questions stop you from this whole new digital world […]

The self-directed IRA allows individuals to invest retirement funds in real estate focused assets. We’re seeing more investors utilize this unique investment vehicle and we can help you get started with this guide. We’ll go over the benefits of the self-directed IRA, what to watch out for and how to start investing. But first, let’s […]

Rolling your IRA over into a self-directed IRA isn’t for everyone, but those who take the time and effort to oversee their investments can cash in on a number of benefits that others can only dream of. Here, we’ll review some of the pros and cons of using your self-directed IRA for investing. Pro: Self-Directed […]

Real estate has been a popular investment over the last 50 years. Today, many investors are choosing the self-directed IRA as a vehicle for their real estate investments. There are a ton of resources on the tax benefits and compliance guidelines associated with this type of investment. However, some valuable information can get lost amidst […]

Separating your personal property from your investments is absolutely critical for real estate investors. Ensuring that you do this correctly is important for both saving and making as much money as possible. Also, doing so will ensure your assets are protected. Fortunately, the law is on your side. Even ice-cold Uncle Sam respects the needs […]

Land trust or title holding trusts are used for anonymity, but they don't actually provide protection from a lawsuit. An LLC is required to provide that protection. A trust is made of three parts. You have a grantor of the trust, a trustee, and a beneficiary. A trustee is used to actually control the property […]

A lot of real estate investors tell me they are hesitant to sign up for the self-directed IRA, also known as a SDIRA or solo IRA. They’re usually not sure they have the investment chops to see decent returns. Here's why I disagree: Self-directed IRAs offer a great variety of investment choices. Traditional IRAs are […]

I often get asked whether a retirement fund such as IRA can be used to invest in real estate. It’s unfortunate that many real estate investors mistakenly assume that their retirement account can only be invested in the stock market, mutual funds or bank CDs. Few investors actually realize that real estate can be held […]

Self-directed IRA real estate is among the most popular alternative assets. However, it’s not for everyone. We’ve already given you a helpful overview of what a self-directed IRA for real estate investing is. Below is a closer look at the pros and cons of this type of investment. Read on to find out if this […]

If you’ve ever wondered how far your self-directed IRA can stretch, the answer is probably further than you think. The answer is also probably different than you’re expecting. IRAs can be passed from one generation to the next enjoying tax-deferred status and accruing value the entire time. This strategy, known as an IRA stretch, allows […]

It’s hard to think of a lot of good reasons to tap into your retirement fund before it’s matured and you’ve hit the ripe old age of 59 ½. This is because you’ll incur a 10% penalty and that money will be immediately subject to taxes.There are, however, certain instances in which an individual can […]

With 2,654 new renters entering the market every day, it’s easy to see why owning investment property is a lucrative and exciting venture. However, in an increasingly litigious society, your rental property can create liabilities. This is why protecting your assets through an investment property LLC (limited liability corporation) is a smart approach. Let's go […]

Cryptocurrencies made their debut in 2009 with the introduction of Bitcoin. Created by Satoshi Nakamoto, this form of digital currency is used as a means of trade medium in virtual exchanges. Individual retirement account (IRA) holders who monitor trending investment options have asked us about the merits of Bitcoin. Below, we discuss the legality and […]

Your individual retirement account (IRA) is a carefully crafted nest egg. If you have a self-directed IRA (SDIRA), you assume complete control over every aspect of your account. Each contribution, whether you made it pre- or post-taxes, is an investment you make in your future. Every buy or sale is a carefully crafted trade that […]

Why All IRAs Require a Custodian [00:08] Not all LLCs are taxed. The same single member LLCs aren't going to always have pass through tax cheat. This is ideal as well as married couples owning and I'll see together in a community property state. However, married couples in a non community property state will have […]

Real estate is a hot investment for all the right reasons. Housing markets across the U.S. have caught fire in the past five years and while mortgage rates remain low, banks are much more cautious about who qualifies. With inventory low and demand high, real estate represents a great investment not only for homeowners but […]

Your individual retirement account (IRA) is a great way to invest in your golden years. An IRA allows you to invest in stocks, bonds and mutual funds, often in a tax-deferred setting. If you decide to invest in your future through a self-directed IRA (SDIRA), you can diversify your portfolio even more. The professionals at […]

For those that have taken the plunge and rolled their IRA over into a self-directed IRA, a number of investment options are now at your fingertips. The question then becomes: what should you invest in? While the answer is going to differ depending on your own personal interests and acuities, these are some of the […]

 Rich people hire asset protection specialists to protect and hide their assets. So do real estate investors who know their stuff. You already know about the LLC and the protections the limited liability company gives you. If anyone tries to sue you and claim your assets, the LLC gives you some protection. A legal […]

At Royal Legal Solutions, we stay on top of all investment trends. One of the fasted growing trends today related to cryptocurrencies. Let’s take a look at this often confusing topic. What is Cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrency, in particular Bitcoin, was invented in 2009 created by Satoshi Nakamoto. In its most simplistic form, cryptocurrency is considered to be […]

One hundred thousand dollars is a nice sum to have in your IRA, but let’s face it. It doesn’t go as far as it used to, and it’s likely to stretch even less by the time you’re ready to retire. Often the returns on conservative investments such as CD’s, money markets, and bonds barely outstrip […]

Investors with a high net worth face investment challenges that are fundamentally different than others that are just beginning to establish themselves. While the same fundamental rules apply to the very affluent as they do to all investors, the psychology of their investment position comes with its own set of pitfalls. For instance, inflation is […]

It’s a common cliché among investors that they are their own worst enemies. While it’s true that some investors shoot themselves in the foot by jumping on a bandwagon that’s headed for a cliff, it’s also true that many investors don’t. To use another cliche: they don’t put all their eggs in one basket. What’s […]

Living trusts are an estate planning option that few individuals make use of. Fundamentally, a living trust acts in much the same manner that a will does. A revocable living trust, however, offers some options that a will does not. In the most basic possible terms, a living trust is a legal container for property […]

Changing careers? Deciding what to do with retirement funds is going to be a primary concern. While there are a number of options available, many choose to roll these funds over into an Individual Retirement Account. There are a number of good reasons for this. What Exactly is a Rollover IRA? IRA Rollovers can be deposited […]

Investing in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a great way to start saving for your golden years. Whether you are interested in a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA), 401(K), or other IRA plan, investment professionals at Royal Legal Solutions can help. Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions we receive from people looking to […]

As a real estate investor, you have to understand that lawsuits are a business. If anybody is looking to sue you, they’re looking to get your money. A proper asset protection strategy keeps people from finding out what you own. If they follow through with a lawsuit, it limits what they can get from you. […]

Commodities are everyday essentials, but did you know they were also investment opportunities? From the fuel in your car to the steak on your dinner table, commodities are raw materials. If you want to diversify your investment portfolio, commodities can surely take care of that. But is it wise to actually invest in them? Let’s […]

Investing in your future may not seem ideal when you have bills to pay now. At Royal Legal Solutions, we understand the ups and downs of daily finances. However, using a tax-deferred investment strategy can help ensure you can enjoy your golden years as you wish. Below, we take a look at the benefits associated […]

Royal Legal Solutions can help you invest whether you are currently working or not. While your 401(K) or Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a great way to save for your future, your social security benefits will help too. Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the “Social Security Act” into law. This Act, which set up a trust […]

Why file an LLC and manage a company if it's going to get invalidated anyway? Can't a good litigation attorney just "pierce the corporate veil" of an LLC? That advice is just wrong. LLCs are incredibly hard to pierce if they are maintained correctly. The problem is that most business owners fail to do the […]

Investing can seem like an easy way to make tons of money. However, this is not always the case. There is a world of difference between speculation and investing. Most amateur investors speculate. They jump on trends that seem like the fast track to fortune, only to end up losing out. Our experts can help you […]

Get Serious About Protecting Your Real Estate Investments I want to congratulate you on taking the tine to become the best real estate investor you can be. At Royal Legal Solutions, we're committed to make sure you have the best tax and legal information to make the most money you can. Visit us at our […]

What is Fraudulent Transfer? [00:08] If you're thinking of waiting to set up your LLC structure duct, the fact of the matter is that if you're sued, it's already too late. Transfers after the fact of even when a lawsuit is threatened before it's even filed can be considered a fraudulent transfer and a fraudulent […]

When it comes to asset protection, insurance companies are basically a criminal business. They collect premiums, then deny coverage when you need them to cover something they should cover. If you have a big claim, you'll have to sue the insurance company just to get them to pay. As an investor, you shouldn't have to […]

Setting Up And Properly Structuring LLCs: The Cost Setting up and properly structuring LLCs isn't cheap. I know this. However, they pay dividends in the long run. Okay, everybody sets up an asset holding company, because that's where you have a lot of your money tied up. The question becomes is, do I really need […]

  [00:07] As a real estate investor, you have to understand that lawsuits are a business and anybody's looking to sue you. They're looking to get money out of you. I've proper asset protection strategy keeps you from going from finding out what you own and if they ever were to see you, it limits […]

Asset Protection: Make Litigation A Nightmare If anybody looks to sue you, you want to look like you own nothing. You want to make it impossible for them to try to come after you. One of the ground rules of asset protection is that you need to make litigation a nightmare for them. And what […]

The Only Two Ways to Lose Money Real Estate Investing: Lawsuits and Bad Investments [00:08] Real estate investors lose money in two ways. The first is because they actually made a bad investment. The second is because somebody took it from them and they can do that easily through a lawsuit and lawsuits are basically […]

What is a Self-Directed IRA? Many people are only using their IRAs to invest in mutual funds and other types of stock investments. But a lot of people that are in the know are using their IRAs to be able to invest in real estate and other more productive assets. One thing that you can […]

How to Start a Self-Directed IRA With an LLC [00:07] People will tell you that your IRA is safe and their raw, your IRA is only safe from lawsuits against you and somebody's coming after your IRA. But your Iras invested in an asset class such as real estate where it can be sued. The […]

Business Trust for Investors in California If you're a California investor with an IRA, looking to set up a self directed IRA structure, don't use the LLC. With the LLC, you end up having to pay $800 per year for the franchise tax, as a California resident. Instead, what you should use is what's known […]

How to Maintain the Records and Accounting of a Company Why file an LLC and manage your company that way if it's just going to get invalidated anyway? Can't a good litigation attorney just pierce an LLC? That advice is just wrong. It's not true. LLCs are incredibly hard to pierce if they are maintained […]

Single-Member Versus Multi-Member LLCs Multi member LLCs aren't always required. It depends on the state statute. See our article on Single Member Vs. Multi Member LLCs. In Texas, for example, a single member LLC is fine. In Florida, on the other hand, you need more than one member and they can't be married. What's important […]

The Royal Legal Solutions Commitment I want to congratulate you on taking the tine to become the best real estate investor you can be. At Royal Legal Solutions, we're committed to make sure you have the best tax and legal information to make the most money you can. Visit us at our website at royallegalsolutions.com […]

What is the Due on Sale Clause? Despite what you might read on the internet, don't worry about the due-on-sale clause. The fact is is, since before 1960, we haven't seen any bank foreclose based upon a violation of the due-on-sale clause while the note's performing. The fact is is that banks are in the […]

Why a Registered Agent Is Required For Every LLC A registered agent is required for every LLC in every state that it does business. The only reason for the registered agent to even exist is because if someone wants to sue your LLC, and they're not able to get to a member or manager personally […]

What Is a Charging Order? So I'm a real estate investor. I have my properties properly structured inside of an LLC. And out of the blue I got into a car wreck. And this resulted in a judgement against me because it exceeded the limits of liability of my auto policy. Now they have tried […]

Judgment-Proof This might sound strange to you as a real estate investor, but you're in one of the most high-risk industries in the United States. The United States is already a very litigious country, and real estate is the most litigated of all of those industries. You're exceptionally at risk if you hold any assets […]

Title Clouding Within Real Estate Investing [00:08] The reason that it's important to be able to use a series. I'll all see it's because you want compartmentalization of the asset. If there's ever a lawsuit against you and you're on the property personally or your LLC and your LLC owns multiple properties, you should be […]

You're from California. You know that your state loves to tax, especially when it comes to LLCs.  Knowing how to avoid California's franchise tax is an important part of your asset protection strategy. You have to pay $800 per year and franchise tax per LLC. This is true even if you live in California and […]

LLCs Can Protect You From Issues That Insurance Refuses to Acknowledge [00:08] The truth is is there's a lot of that information when it comes to real estate investing and how to protect your assets, whether it's Joe Lucky, the keyboard warrior from an internet form or your CPA or the worst case scenario, a […]

If your state has homestead protections, never put it into an LLC. But you may put it into a trust for estate planning purposes. Every state that has homestead protections will allow a different amount for what they consider to be the exemption -- that means the amount that people can’t come after or you’re […]

Is an IRA Custodian Worth It? Every IRA is required to have a custodian, and not all custodians are made equal. Especially if you're going to have a custodian that's going to invest on your behalf. Think about it, a custodian is the person that you have to have be responsive to any particular deal […]

Hello, fellow investors. Every new year, I get many questions about IRA contribution limits and what changes have taken effect. This year, there have been many more questions than usual about this subject, as well as the new tax laws.  Don't worry, there's an article in the works about how these new tax laws will […]

Maintain Title insurance During a Property Transfer Any time you transfer property you must consider the title insurance implications. Title insurance will generally be invalidated upon the transfer of the property. However, title insurance isn't invalidated if you transfer the property to a wholly owned LLC. That is, an LLC that's completely owned by you, […]

Real estate investing is an excellent way to put your money to work. The returns consistently outperform traditional savings and common investment vehicles, with little risk and low management. There's only one problem. We live in the most litigious society on earth. Did you know one in four U.S. citizens will be sued in their […]