The main purpose of this article is to serve as a complete checklist for getting ready, creating and structuring your own real estate business. I will also point out the benefits of detailed planning and management, and the pitfalls for failure to do so. First things first: what's the name of your new company? What type of business entity will you put up? A sole proprietorship is the quickest and easiest; but, it might lack the necessary asset and liability protection warranted by your business model. My personal favorite has always been the Limited Liability Company (LLC). It's quick, inexpensive, and provides individual shelter.