I'm a new Realtor in Ohio and also have an LLC which I've had for years for RE investing. I sign for everything the LLC has done although my wife is a member.
My concern is will I be doing anything wrong when I submit a "lowball" offer on a property. I've done it already with a few bank owned properties but not with an owner seller. When I say lowball I don't mean insultingly low by the way. I don't want to be accused of "taking advantage" of anyone.
Should I make my wife the agent for the LLC instead of myself and would that be the logical move to continue pursuing RE investing as a Realtor? How do you other agents who also invest do it? Thanks for any help you can provide!

As long as you disclose you are an agent when buying you will be fine,always get the disclosures signed!

They always holdus to a higher standard and the seller could later claim you took advantage of them!

Just make sure that in your offer it states that you are a licensed real estate agent or broker but are not acting in that capacity in this transaction. In my agreements it is a printed line item and I also write it in the comments section.

From an investor perspective I will make this comment on "lowball" offers. If I do not hear that little voice that says "are you sure you want to offer that little?" then that first offer is not low enough! Your primary objective as an investor is to make as much money as possible. Remember you can always increase your offer but you can never never lower it!

Attempting to "hide" your status when you still have a beneficial interest can trip ethics issues. While some associations accept the issue of an entity many others will still simply look are the actual effect of beneficial interest.

Thanks for the good feedback you guys! I love this site. I have disclosed that I'm a Realtor on the few offers I've submitted since I got my license. They were all to banks and then the other day I started wondering about things again.

Paul - got ya! You know there were a few times over the years where I went in sort of low and think I ****ed off the seller. Nothing intentional, just trying to run a business.

Realty Check - if I understand you correctly do you suggest that I just stay the "agent" in my LLC instead of making my wife the agent and then me just being a member? Actually I'd prefer to leave it as is because it'll be easier on me when I sign papers. Plus I think I'd have to pay a $50 fee to do the switch anyhow. I'm just not savvy enough with these things. I don't mean to ask for legal advice either.

Thanks again all !

Most banks if you tell them you the buyer are the agent will not pay you any commission so factor that into making your lower offer.The banks perspective is you will benefit from the purchase and resale or hold of the property and therefore will not pay you any commission on the deal.