This book is a pragmatic and creative approach to legal and asset protection issues faced by investors in Texas real estate, particularly investors in residential and smaller commercial properties. It is not intended to be a textbook or comprehensive academic treatise. Rather, it contains practical perspectives and techniques developed over the years in the course of advising and representing investors. Since there are usually as many opinions as there are lawyers in a room, it should be no surprise if other lawyers disagree with at least some of my conclusions. In response, I would point out that there is nothing theoretical in this book. Every strategy I describe has been tried and has succeeded in the real world. Having said that, every reader should consult his or her attorney prior to implementing any of my suggestions in order to insure compatibility with individual circumstances. Business plans vary and so do investments and asset protection strategies. This book does not offer legal guidance to any particular person with regard to any particular case. Note also that the law changes and evolves, often rapidly. While cases and statutes are cited in this book, the reader should do independent research to ascertain the current status of the law before relying on any of these citations. If you are a real estate investor who owns (or aspires to own) 10, 20, or 50 or more properties, then you should consider reading this book. If you use creative methods such as wraparounds and "subject to" transactions then you may find this volume very useful indeed. However, if your goal is to assemble an international consortium to purchase Rockefeller Center or Trump Tower, then this is probably not the volume for you. All real estate investors should form the habit of doing thorough due diligence prior to investing in real estate. This includes consulting attorneys, accountants, insurance advisors, and other qualified professionals on overall methods and goals as well as specific transactions. Every investor should have a team of seasoned professionals available to answer questions, offer input, and provide customized services. A professional investor will also acquire a basic level of competence in searching and obtaining information and copies from real property and appraisal district records. On the subject of transactional documentation, I urge readers to avoid most standard forms, especially those obtained from the Internet, except for contracts and addenda promulgated by the Texas Real Estate Commission and the Texas Association of Realtors. Consider all others suspect. Lastly, it has been my experience that good ethics make for good business. Avoid any transaction that even hints of fraud or deception. If it appears too good to be true it probably is. I welcome comments and criticism. I can most easily be reached by email at LoneStarLandLaw@aol.com. David J. Willis David J. Willis 30 years’ experience in Texas transactions and litigation Board Certified – Residential Real Estate Law, TBLS Board Certified – Commercial Real Estate Law, TBLS AV rated for ethical standards and professional ability Two law degrees (J.D. and LL.M.) Former adjunct law professor Licensed Texas real estate broker Listed as one of Texas' Top-Rated Lawyers by Law.com Keywords: Real Estate Law, Texas Asset Protection, Texas Real Estate, Investors, LLC Formation, Texas, Nevada, Lawyer, Willis, Legal

Principles of Real Estate Practice in Texas contains the essentials of the national and Texas real estate law, principles, and practices necessary for basic competence as a real estate professional and as mandated by Texas license law for Principles I & II. It is based on our highly successful and popular national publication, Principles of Real Estate Practice, which is in use in real estate schools nationwide. The text is tailored to the needs of the pre-license student. It is designed to - make it easy for students to learn the material and pass their real estate exam - prepare students for numerous career applications - stress practical, rather than theoretical, skills and knowledge. Principles of Real Estate Practice in Texas is streamlined, direct and to-the-point. It includes multiple learning reinforcements. It has a student-oriented organization, both within each chapter and from chapter to chapter. Its examples and exercises are grounded in the authors' many years in real estate education. For students looking for a Texas-specific exam prep book, we also publish Texas Real Estate License Exam Prep

Law of Property Rights Protection: Limitations on Governmental Powers, Second Edition is a comprehensive, up-to-date review of the on-going battle between government's desire to regulate and limit private property use, and property owners' equally powerful desire to avoid economically damaging or unreasonable or unconstitutional limitations. Federal, state, and local governments often wish to restrict or condition uses of private property, while private property owners wish to avoid or seek compensation for such regulatory controls. This battle between property and regulation is one of the most emotionally charged and fiercely contested issues in contemporary law. An enormous amount of litigation, at both the federal and state level, has stemmed from questions surrounding the extent to which government may restrict or even prevent certain private property uses. The relevant law is constantly changing and evolving, so count on the Law of Property Right Protection to bring you completely up to date. The book is organized according to the many ways that government powers over private property are limited, by the federal and state constitutions, the common law, and equitable principles and has been cited by the United States Supreme Court, federal courts, and state appellate courts. Law of Property Rights Protection: Limitations on Governmental Powers, Second Edition: Analyzes relevant and current case law, and identifies (1) which challenges by private property owners were successful, (2) what facts seemed compelling to reviewing courts considering property-restrictive regulations, and (3) what arguments by property owners tend to fail in the eyes of reviewing courts. Offers advice on which property-protective provisions in constitutional law maximize the likelihood of a successful challenge to restrictive regulations, as well as advice on how to mount a legal challenge which will not be dismissed on jurisdictional or procedural grounds. Considers all of the primary limitations on government regulations of property - Takings; Due Process; Contracts Clause; Equal Protection; the Vested Rights Doctrine; Anti-Retroactivity Presumptions; Internal Limits on the Police Power Includes the full range of property interests - such as real property; contract rights; leasehold rights; unpatented mining claims; water rights; intellectual property; rights of access and entry; royalty rights; all forms of intangible property interests Using Laitos' strategic approach, and easy-to-follow organization, this book will help you formulate arguments and challenges which may overcome or invalidate onerous regulations on the use and enjoyment of private property. Previous Edition Law of Property Rights Protection: Limitations on Governmental Powers, ISBN 9780735501522

The bestselling guide to real estate, newly revised for today’s investors More than ever, investing in property today will set you on track to conquer financial uncertainty and build your long-term net worth. Investing in Real Estate, Seventh Edition offers dozens of experience- proven methods to convert these challenging times into the best of times. Whether you want to fix and sell or buy, improve, and hold, market savvy real estate investor Gary W. Eldred shows you how to achieve your goals. He provides time-tested ways to grow a profitable portfolio and shows you how property investing can deliver twenty-two sources of financial return. You’ll learn how to negotiate like a pro, read market trends, and choose from multiple possibilities to finance your properties. This timely new edition also includes: Historical context to emphasize how bargain prices and near record low interest rates now combine to offer unprecedented potential for short- and long-term profits Successfully navigate and meet today’s loan underwriting standards How to obtain discounted property prices from banks, underwater owners, and government agencies How to value properties accurately—and, when necessary, intelligently challenge poorly prepared lender appraisals Effective techniques to acquire REOs and short sales on favorable terms within reasonable time frames How to market and manage your properties to outperform other investors And much more! Join the pros who are profiting from today’s market. All you need is the knowledge edge provided by Investing in Real Estate, Seventh Edition—the most favored and reliable guide to gaining the rewards that real estate offers.

The widespread move towards more market-driven models of political economy combined with the expanding internationalisation of business and commerce has led to a series of proposals for global competition rules. To date these proposals have been hotly contested. A critical issue is whether some form of international rule-making is required, or whether soft law solutions are sufficient. Competition rules may be required to combat the damage done by global cartels and to diffuse the tensions created when more than one nation seeks to regulate the same conduct. Competition rules may also be required to protect the integrity of the world trading system. International rule-making, however, presents its own problems, not the least of which is a concern with protecting national sovereignty.

What’s Section 1031? How does it help property investment? Who qualifies for its benefits? These are the answers serious real estate investors must know - and are the kind of issues tackled in this one-stop resource. Property owners will find all the useful (and money-saving) information on real estate taxes they need, like how to: shelter rental income and earn the most from vacation properties; maximize expense and loss deductions; participate in Tenant-in-Common investing; preserve their wealth by protecting their assets; and much more! It’s important for everyone to know their legal rights - especially when it comes to their investments and money. This guide lays the foundation to build an investor’s wealth.