Answers to the Most Urgent Questions on Real Estate

These are the questions that come up in nearly every consultation.

Should I buy in this market?

Buy when the numbers work. Rates and prices are inputs to an analysis, not a verdict on whether to invest. A deal that cash flows today at today's rate is a deal.

What if the market drops?

A long-term rental with positive cash flow and a fixed-rate loan does not care about paper value. Forced sales cause losses; price movements alone do not.

Do I need an LLC?

Often yes, sometimes not yet, and it depends on your financing, your insurance, and the state you are in. Talk it through with an attorney rather than following a rule of thumb from the internet.

How much can I actually deduct?

More than most owners claim, and less than the aggressive advice circulating online. Depreciation, interest, repairs, travel, and professional fees are all in play when they are documented properly.

When should I bring in a professional?

Before you buy, before you restructure, and before you sell. Every expensive tax problem I see started as a cheap question nobody asked.