tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7800674.post110192559460867958..comments2023-06-22T05:23:55.920-07:00Comments on Shaun's Real Estate Adventures: How To Ensure You Get The Best Rates PossibleShaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05654897560778650994noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7800674.post-1106965094411265012005-01-28T19:18:00.000-07:002005-01-28T19:18:00.000-07:00They are soft checks - meaning your score will not...They are soft checks - meaning your score will not be impacted when requesting this. I believe the legislation expressly forbids that.Shaunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05654897560778650994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7800674.post-1102552881717275322004-12-08T17:41:00.000-07:002004-12-08T17:41:00.000-07:00OK, I managed to get the one from Experian without...OK, I managed to get the one from Experian without any problems. The credit history was 100% correct (all paid on time or paid in full). However, I found some errors with my personal information, mostly involved with my name. In addition, the biggest mistake was the name of my spouse and I was able to use their on-line link to dispute it. As far as the address info is concerned, they were all correct except for one in Arizona.misteropushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05027847689824132160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7800674.post-1102551368961540102004-12-08T17:16:00.000-07:002004-12-08T17:16:00.000-07:00I just tried to get my free credit report from Equ...I just tried to get my free credit report from Equifax via annualcreditreport.com and it blew up! I guess I'll go back and try the other two.misteropushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05027847689824132160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7800674.post-1102344614355026022004-12-06T07:50:00.000-07:002004-12-06T07:50:00.000-07:00Oh.. I forgot to address the LLC part of yor comme...Oh.. I forgot to address the LLC part of yor comment. I use one LLC per property. Here in Arizona, this is feasible because setting up an LLC is relatively inexpensive and there are no yearly costs that need to be paid. In other states (California comes to mind), they are more expensive and this may not be cost-effective.<br /><br />ShaunShaunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05654897560778650994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7800674.post-1102344446885697462004-12-06T07:47:00.000-07:002004-12-06T07:47:00.000-07:00Thanks for the kind words. I responded to your pos...Thanks for the kind words. I responded to your post on the richdad.com site.Shaunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05654897560778650994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7800674.post-1102047639081324172004-12-02T21:20:00.000-07:002004-12-02T21:20:00.000-07:00Yep, I had a similar experience when I got all my ...Yep, I had a similar experience when I got all my credit reports. Yes there were some glitches (TransUnion got stuck halfway through for me too), but boy howdy! is this better than going to each one individually. Sooo glad Congress did this (see, they do get some stuff right!).<br /><br />SusanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7800674.post-1102006044191682562004-12-02T09:47:00.000-07:002004-12-02T09:47:00.000-07:00Update on credit reports: I requested mine through...Update on credit reports: I requested mine through annualcreditreport.com from all three providers. I had now problems with Equifax. They were by far the easiest and most consumer friendly. Printing my report resulted in a detailed 20 page printout. Experian was so-so. Their website is nice, but you cannot print out your full report. There is a link to print out the report, but it only displays one section. If you want all sections, you must visit each page and print it out from your browser. TransUnion sucks. Yesterday I was unable to get my report because their server wouldn't respond. I am assuming it was because they were swamped with requests. This morning, I tried again and had problems. Part of their process is to create a login on their system. I tried using a new one and they told me I already had one and to use that. When I tried that one, I was prompted for a credit card number and was told my report would cost me $9. When I emailed their tech support, I was told to contact a subsidiary to resolve the issue. That is where things currently stand.<br /><br />By the way, my Equifax report contained no errors. My Experian report contained several - wrong driver's license number, several incorrect previous addresses, and several incorrect spellings of my name. I attempted to use their on-line dispute tool, but was told I had to dispute these items by mail or phone.Shaunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05654897560778650994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7800674.post-1101997002463729802004-12-02T07:16:00.000-07:002004-12-02T07:16:00.000-07:00I first used a CPA when I formed my LLC. I had her...I first used a CPA when I formed my LLC. I had her set it up and do the paperwork. After that, I started having her do my taxes and other CPA-type stuff. I found her by looking through the phone book for CPAs that that specialized in real estate. <br /><br />As for what to look for or ask, just find out if they are familiar with real estate transactions and LLCs (or whatever other business entity you choose to use). If you are consulting with them about setting up a company, ask which type of business entity they would recommend and why. I did some research on my own and felt an LLC would be better for me. My CPA reached the same conclusion (without me telling her what I thought), so that was a plus. It was also important that she listened to me and was easy to talk to.<br /><br />Having said that, I know I will not be keeping this CPA forever. As my investing activites grow, I will likely switch to a CPA that is more agressive in reducing taxes and liablities. Luckily, I am in the Phoenix area and can use Diane Kennedy's firm. But for someone just starting out, I think a CPA with basic skills should be fine. Just remember to re-evaluate your needs and their capabilities occasionally and don't be afraid to switch when you've outgrown your current CPA.Shaunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05654897560778650994noreply@blogger.com