questions to ask attorney

[Christina Arango]

Hi Everyone,

I'm in the process of "getting all of my ducks in a row" so to speak for my first purchase.  I've found a CPA and an agent that I like, and next week I'll be meeting with my attorney, contacting banks/mortgage brokers, and looking at two houses in different neighborhoods to see where to invest.  The last time I went to my attorney was 5 years ago (for estate planning) and, of course, I have zero real estate investment experience.  

All of this to say that I'm worried that I'll leave his office and have that "shoot, I should have also asked (blank)" moment, which is bound to happen.  But, for everyone that has been in this position before, what should be on my list of questions to ask?

Thanks for helping me out.

[Gino Barbaro]

@Christina Arango

Hi Christina

Ask him if he invests in real estate himself, and if he has other clients in real estate. Ask him about entity formation ( LLC, S corp, etc). You can also ask him for referrals of other team members, such as insurance agents or other CPAs.

Have him show you a small Purchase and Sale agreement that he uses.  If you are going to be renting to tenants, see if he performs evictions or if he can recommend someone.  Ask him about the eviction process in your market so you will be ready when the time comes. 

Good Luck

Gino