First, I will give you a little background. I will be starting up my
own investment venture in 6-8 months time. I originally was going to
start it out as a business but found that I would pay less taxes on
the "capital gains" (in stocks, options, and fixed income securities)
than I would if I claimed those capital gains as income through a
business. And since the startup costs are close to zero I really
wouldn't gain from being able to write off business expenses until my
company gets big enough.

The way I plan on funding this venture is through, the little capital
I have, and private loans from close friends and family. Essentially
the way it would work is that I would write them up a legal contract
saying I promise to pay them back their money with some interest in a
few years time. (basically like I'm writing a bond for my parents,
friends, etc...)

I'm wondering if there are any templates that you know of for creating
these personal (and legal) contracts and what the necessary steps are
to go about making these contracts "legal documents?"

I live in L.A. so if there are any places you feel I should get in
touch with, please recommend some in the Los Angeles area.

Thanks for your time.