When you are investing on a real estate property, you can choose to buy through real estate investment trust (REIT), limited liability company (LLC) or under your own name. Choosing among these options depends upon your need for anonymity, the type of property you will buy, and other factors.
If you want to buy investment property under your name you can avoid extra cost, liability insurance would be cheaper, and it would be easier to get your mortgage because banks can pursue your assets. However, your personal home and other assets will be exposed to risks of lawsuits.
Purchasing investment property under REITs gives you anonymity, there will be multiple people investing in that property, the property can be transferred to heirs to avoid death tax. However, the amount you can transfer to your heir constantly change, and the other owners will also do their own modification. This option requires a substantial amount of legal fees.
Most investors consider LLC as the best purchasing option. This has limited liability to the owner; the owner’s personal assets won’t be at risk. This also provides anonymity on a community level. If you are planning to buy a commercial property with plenty of tenants, this is the best option.
