Real Estate Law and Asset Protection
for Texas Real Estate Investors
By David J. Willis, J.D., LL.M.
Texas Attorney & Real Estate Broker
2026 Edition, 817 pages
“The most important real estate book you will ever read!” – Attorney Keaton Frieberg, San Antonio
Table of Contents
PART I. CONTRACTS AND CLOSINGS
Chapter 1. – Residential Contracts: the Value of Special Provisions
Chapter 2. – Disclosure Obligations of Sellers and their Brokers and Agents
Chapter 3. – “As Is” Conveyances in Texas Residential Transactions
Chapter 4. – Title Insurance in Texas
Chapter 5. – Earnest Money Disputes
Chapter 6. – Affidavits of Heirship
Chapter 7. – Lis Pendens
PART II. OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF TEXAS REAL ESTATE
Chapter 8. – Deeds in Texas
Chapter 9. – Co-Ownership of Real Property
Chapter 10. – Deeding Property to an LLC
PART III. NOTEWORTHY STATE AND FEDERAL LAW
Chapter 11. – Fraud by Residential Real Estate Sellers in Texas
Chapter 12. – Deceptive Trade Practices Act
Chapter 13. – Executory Contracts in Texas Real Estate
Chapter 14. – The Statute of Frauds
Chapter 15. – The Safe Act and Dodd-Frank
Chapter 16. – Loan Fraud and Money Laundering
Chapter 17. – FinCEN Reporting and the Residential Rule
PART IV. CREATIVE TRANSACTIONS IN TEXAS REAL ESTATE
Chapter 18. – Seller Financing in Texas Residential Transactions
Chapter 19. – Assumptions in Texas
Chapter 20. – “Subject To” Transactions
Chapter 21. – Wraparound Transactions in Texas
Chapter 22. – Due-on-Sale Considerations
Chapter 23. – Lease -Options, Lease-Purchases, & Preferential Rights
Chapter 24. – Adverse Possession in Texas
PART V. LLCs, PARTNERSHIPS AND JOINT VENTURES
Chapter 25. – LLC Formation in Texas
Chapter 26. – The Series LLCs: An Overview
Chapter 27. – Registered, Protected, & Ordinary Series
Chapter 28. – Sale And Assignment of LLC Membership Interests
Chapter 29. – Confidentiality and Non-Compete Agreements in LLCs
Chapter 30. – LLC Tax and Banking Issues
Chapter 31. – Piercing the Veil
Chapter 32. – Partnerships and Joint Ventures in Texas
PART VI. TRUSTS IN TEXAS REAL ESTATE
Chapter 33. – Basic Principals of Living Trusts
Chapter 34. – Living Trusts for the Homestead
Chapter 35. – Investor Land Trusts
PART VII. ASSET PROTECTION STRUCTURING
Chapter 36. – The Two-Company Structure
Chapter 37. – Asset Protection Graphics
PART VIII. ASSET PROTECTION STRATEGIES
Chapter 38. – Asset Protection in Texas
Chapter 39. – Anonymity in Texas Real Estate
Chapter 40. – Assumed Names
Chapter 41. – Homestead Protections in Texas
Chapter 42. – Lein Release and Removal
Chapter 43. – Equity Stripping for Asset Protection
PART IX. RESIDENTIAL LEASING IN TEXAS
Chapter 44. – Security Deposits in Residential Leases
Chapter 45. – The Texas Realtors Residential Lease
Chapter 46. – Eviction of Residential Tenants
PART X. FORECLOSURES IN TEXAS
Chapter 47. – Foreclosures in Texas
PART XI. TEXAS LITIGATION AND JUDGMENTS
Chapter 48.- Real Estate Litigation in Texas
Chapter 49. – Partition of Texas Real Estate
Chapter 50. – Mediation
PART XII. TEXAS LITIGATION AND JUDGMENTS
Chapter 51. – Judgments in Texas
Chapter 52. – Fraudulent Transfers to Avoid Creditors
PART XIII. ASSIGNMENTS AND TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS
Chapter 53. – Buying and Selling Real Estate Notes
Chapter 54. – Wholesaling of Residential Earnest Money Contracts
PART XIV. OTHER TOPICS OF INTEREST TO REAL ESTATE INVESTORS
Chapter 55. – Redemption Issues for Investors
Chapter 56. – Hard-Money Lending
Book Reviews
“A practical guide for attorneys and anyone getting into real estate. Recommended! ” — Attorney Nathaniel Gilbert, San Antonio
“The most important real estate book you will ever read!” — Attorney Keaton Frieberg, New Braunfels
“David and his books are my first resource. A must read. ”— Attorney Donald Jones, Dallas
“David offers a wealth of sage advice with keen insights.” — Attorney Brian Gutierrez, Bryan
“This book is amazing! Many great tips and creative solutions.” — Attorney Zachary Copp, Dallas
“Extremely informative real. Very well done.” — Attorney Christopher Barber, Houston
“David is one of the best. A must read!” — Attorney Paul Spielvogel, The Woodlands
“What a great resource! “ — Attorney John Andrews, Dallas
“The best reference for need-to-know real estate law in Texas.” — Attorney Jason Kraus, Houston
“I frequently refer to this book. Extremely helpful.” — Attorney Lisa Galvan, San Antonio
“A terrific resource!” — Attorney Kathleen Crook, El Paso
“A great tool! Investors should have a copy of this book.” — Attorney Paul Katz, Boulder
“Impressive. Benefits real estate investors and attorneys.” — Attorney James Robert Smith, Houston
“Excellent! “ — Attorney J. Thomas Black, Houston
“A fantastic book for lawyers and all real estate professionals!” — Attorney Kevin J. Smith, Houston
“Perfect for someone who wants to learn more about contracts, different types of deeds, creative transactions and asset protection strategies.” — Attorney Richard Weaver, Houston
“Definitely helped when I took the board certification exams.” — Attorney Derek Pershing, Houston

