Mileage expense - can I expense during rehab?

[Mike Wilson]

I know that as a landlord manager of my properties I can deduct at a rate of $0.56/mile the cost to drive to my rentals as long as I keep good records and for certain approved activities such as collecting rent; going to make repairs, etc. However, I'm looking a purchasing a fixer-upper that will take lots of trips and is about an hour away. Would be about $40/round trip in expenses if allowed. I am thinking that I can only expense after the place is being rented and expenses against rental income. Can someone tell me if I have a valid expense I can collect during the rehab period?