Question about write offs & tax/calendar year

[Kenton C.]

Hi BP,

A few questions for those more familiar with the topic: 

1) Hiring a lawyer to review my purchase contract - is this an expense? Or is it added to the basis of the property?

2) Appraisal - Added to the basis of the property as well?

3) If i incurred the above 2 expenses in 2014, but I didn't actually close and rent out the property until 2015, will i be able to write them off still, when I file my taxes in 2016, for 2015?