Travel expense deduction question - invoice date or travel date?

[Ed Chiu]

Hello,

I just purchased my first rental property in Dallas, Texas and I am hoping to get some insight about the travel expense deduction question. The goal is to deduct the travel expense instead of having it as part of the start-up cost. Does anyone know if I can write off the travel expense based on the timeline below or should I cancel my trip and book again when the property is listed for rent? Thank you very much! 

Timeline 

Property purchase date - November 

Travel invoice date - End of December

Property advertised to be rent - mid January

Travel date - early February