F-1 OPT Student Taxes for House Hack

[Robin Dassy]

Good Morning All,

My wife and I have finally purchased our first duplex and moved into one of the units. 

I am currently in the process of obtaining a green card, as my wife petitioned for me. In the meantime, I am still on my F-1 visa under OPT. I am 99% sure that I am allowed to receive rental income as well as capital gains, regardless of my employment status limitations. What I do not know is if I am allowed to "operate a rental business." I am planning on doing a segregated depreciation study as well as filing for business expenses such as the office, internet, and repairs. My wife and I will most likely be filing jointly.

I guess my questions are the following:
- I have been having a hard time finding a CPA who would have experience in dealing with this and would work with such a small portfolio. Does anyone know of either a web-based firm or one in the West Texas area?
- Am I allowed to take these deductions considering my status, and would I need any type of entity to do so?

Thanks in advance!