Creative way to write off travel expense?

[John S.]

I live in the DC area and am a landlord, but went to LA to see if there were good property deals. I didn't find any good ones, but because of the trip, I've decided to buy something near the DC area. Can I write-off the travel costs to LA (as a business expense), even though the location of the purchase is in DC?

[Bill Walston]

@John S., @Russell Brazil is correct.  If you traveled to LA but didn't buy a property, as a general rule, the travel expenses are not deductible.