Real estate Tax write-offs

[Marcello Pirrelli]

Hello,

I have heard and seen many different responses / information to the following question, and hope a CPA or an experienced professional in the topic can shine some light on this:

"Can you write off travels to / from if you are traveling only to view properties and meet with a property owner / real estate Investor / etc.?"

Some individuals say yes as long as you can prove you made prior arrangements, appointments, etc. and other says you can only write-off these expenses after you actually own property in that location.

Does it make a difference if you make the travel purchases as part of your personal assets or on behalf of an LLC?

Thank you all in advance for your insights.