Legal Research
“If you think research is expensive, try ignorance.”
– Andy McIntyre
Our mission is to provide customers and other interested real estate investors with high-quality rental investing research to make better decisions. Our research includes, but is not limited to, trends, statistics, legal, and tax strategies. Our research team consists of real estate professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, MBAs, and financing professionals.
Many real estate investors get into theu market becase they think it’s a great, easy way to earn passive income. That is often true, but it doesn’t come without a lot of work, and even some risks. With that in mind, legal research is incredibly important for anyone investing in rental properties. Some of the most important legal research tips you should be looking at include:
- Getting the right kind of insurance for your properties to protect you from liability issues
- Using a company/brand name instead of your personal name
- Talking to a professional about setting up a contract the right way
When it comes to short-term rentals, there are also several licenses that you may need in order to legally rent out your property. Some states have extreme restrictions and laws in place over short-term rentals, and they vary from place to place. Doing your research on laws like these, as well as insurance and liability laws will help to keep you and your money much safer.
If you don’t do your legal research and end up doing something wrong, you could face huge fines, citations, or even potential jail time. Even if you have been in the rental industry for years, it’s worth it to keep up with your legal research on a regular basis. Laws change, and the licenses you need to operate may have changed as well. Don’t let yourself get into trouble after years of hard work. Keep up with your legal research.
Special Rules for Rental Applications for Members of the Armed Forces
Military members are afforded certain protections and benefits while in active duty, including protections relating to housing and accommodations. For this reason, landlords need to be aware of the laws that can affect the landlord’s relationship with its military...
Landlord and Tenant Obligations to Maintain Residential Property in Florida
The landlord-tenant relationship involves more than the exchange of rent payments for access to residency. In Florida, when a landlord and tenant enter into a lease agreement, they agree to be bound by a plethora of terms, whether express in the agreement or imputed...
Can a Landlord ask for Proof of a Dog’s ADA Service Animal Status?
Service dogs[1] aid people with disabilities so that they can fully participate in daily life routines and activities. Dogs can be trained to perform many significant tasks to assist people with disabilities. These service dogs offer support to people with physical...
The Significance of an Owner’s Affidavit in a Real Estate Purchase
When a person sells a house, vacant land, or other pieces of property, there are certain requirements that must be followed. Most states require an affidavit of title. An affidavit of title is a document specifying that a property seller owns the property.[1] In...
FIRPTA: What Foreign Investors of US Real Estate Need to Know
Non-U.S. individuals and corporations investing in real estate within the United States will need to be familiar with one of the biggest challenges facing foreign nationals involved in U.S. real estate: the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA). FIRPTA...
Housing Cooperatives: What UHF v. Forman Means for Securities Regulation and Real Estate Investors
When it comes to real estate, although significantly different from owning a condo or renting an apartment, individuals may consider investing in a housing cooperative[1] (often referred to as “co-op”). In considering whether to do so, purchasers should determine...
Four Tax Implications to Consider when Purchasing Real Estate as an Investment
Real estate can be a great investment; when executed tactfully investors can expect to see great returns. One of the principal advantages of investing is the plethora of options available to optimize an investor’s tax situation. From tax-advantaged retirement accounts...
Cost Segregation: A Tax Planning Strategy That Accelerates Depreciation
A cost segregation is a tax planning strategy that accelerates the depreciation of certain asset components of a larger real estate transaction. For investors who focus primarily on real estate, the potential tax benefits are rather substantial and result in upfront...
To Disclose or not to Disclose: Lessons on Securities Liability from Hutchinson v. Deutsche Bank Securities
Hutchinson v. Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc. involved the issue of whether the defendant made false statements and omissions in its registration statement.[1] The defendant, CBRE Realty Finance, Inc. (“CBRE”), was a commercial real estate specialty finance company...
Qualifying for Homestead Exemption in Florida: How Prewitt and Warrick Narrowed the Field
Prewitt Mgmt. Corp. v. Nikolits is an appellate case that involved a dispute between appellant, Hal D. Prewitt (Prewitt) and appellee, Gary R. Nikolits (Nikolits).[1] Prewitt was the sole shareholder of an S corporation, Prewitt Management Corp. (PMC), and Nikolits...