All Forum Posts by: Scott Williams

I've never had a problem getting in touch w/ @Amanda Han , if you aren't able to reach her, send me a PM and I can put you in touch.  I'm sure they are extra busy this time of year, but Keystone has always been responsive to my needs.  Robert Hall sounds familiar, but I don't believe I have ever done business with him.  I have only been with Amanda for the last couple of years, perhaps Robert Hall was before my time.

I have worked with an out of state CPA in the past (John Hyre) and was very happy with him, but, everything else being equal, I prefer to use someone local.  I want to be able to sit down face-to-face if need be.  The other advantage to a local CPA that I hadn't appreciated previously, was the local referrals I have gotten (health insurance providers, other local investors, etc.)  Good luck with your search!

Scott Williams

@Amanda Han 

keystonecpa.com

She has been great to work with and frequently blogs/posts on this site.

Scott Williams

Would love to see what you are working on, I will stop by schedule permitting!

Thanks, Scott

Hi Frances,

If you need an Attorney referral check out Todd Litman:

http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/95/topics/1647...

I know that he has experience w/ Heggstad Petitions.

Good Luck!  Scott Williams

Hi John,

I'm a lender in Southern CA and I have previously asked around for an Attorney referral to help me formalize my private money lending.  When looking for referrals, I heard each of the following names at least twice from people who I respect.  So far I have only spoken with Dennis Doss, but I plan on speaking with the others shortly.

http://www.dosslaw.com/ - Dennis sounds like one of the most experienced Attorneys, but I was told that he is about double what the other Attorneys would charge (don't know if this is true or not).  I enjoyed speaking with Dennis, but I felt like I might be a good bit smaller than his typical client.  

http://www.geracilawfirm.com/ - Planning on speaking with him next.

http://sdirahandbook.com/ - Mat Sorensen / Mark Kohler

http://www.syndicationlawyers.com/ - Kim Taylor / Jillian Sidoti: I have heard them speak on forming Syndications and I have heard good things about their practice.

Send me a PM if you would like to compare notes sometime.  I think lending is a great way to earn an income if you do it right.  I don't know what your experience is, but I will say that one bad deal can wipe out many good deals (ask me how I know!).  There are for sure sharks in this arena, be careful!

Scott Williams

Hi Gita,

If I am paying interest to a private lender, do I send them a 1099-MISC or a 1099-INT?

Thanks! Scott

Hi Priscilla,

You might want to reach out to Attorney Todd Litman at http://www.toddlitman.com/

He is located in Tustin and specializes in setting up Living Trusts, entities, etc.  I have been very impressed with his knowledge and experience, plus his rates are reasonable.  As you noted above, setting up a trust will avoid probate and Mr. Litman can go over the pros & cons of setting up an entity for liability protection vs. umbrella insurance, etc.  You will want to discuss your personal situation and needs with an attorney, as asset protection is not a "one size fits all" situation.

Feel free to tell him I referred you if you like.

Scott Williams

 @Jay Hinrichs

If you don't mind sharing, can you tell me more about how you structure your JV deals? Are you using an equity share note or taking title or ??

Thanks, Scott

I'm not arguing, but I don't see how paying someone to find potential vacant property addresses / leads for you would have anything to do with "...services as a real estate agent" or "...if the person is expected or required to act as a license holder" unless the person was soliciting listings (or something along those lines) on the agent's behalf.  I can see the BRE getting upset about offering a "commission" if the transaction happens, but I fail to see how offering someone $12 an hour to "drive for dollars" and report back addresses would be a problem.

Did the attorneys site which laws you were breaking?