Can anyone give me a ballpark idea of how much it takes to start a trust properly?
Why do you need a checking account for a trust?
You need a checking account for the trust because you need a means of separating your cash from that of the trust. The bank account provides said means.
Maxsplat-tying to save Rusty from giving out free legal advice but 2 trust attys, I spoke with said that whoever you make a co trustee can have full access to the item as long as they are not prevented for other reasons, felon etc. So yes you could ad your brother as a co trustee. I'm not a lawyer just repeating what I was told by a couple. If you did not want to make your brother a co trustee he can still use it as long as you are with him. You have to have control over it.
I'd still advise you to seek legal counsel.
What if your trust only carries cash?
The ATF has more money and Lawyers than you... Is it really worth it? My trust has a bank account...it took 15min to set up with USAA and that includes BS 'ing about NFA with the operator. That effort saves me from the ATF potentially taking everything I own in an investigation...
Say I have a suppressor that I bought as an individual. If I am at the range with friends are they allowed to shoot with it or is it illegal for anyone else to use it even if I am present?
Your can share your NFA toys with friends as long as you are present.
so.... PNC Bank just turned me down as well. "we don't 'do' those types of accounts.
Three down (boa, Susquehanna, PNC), trying BB&T now.