Tax deductible house searching?

[David C.]

Tax Deduction Question:

Taking a long road trip to Iowa to look at properties to purchase for rental this weekend. Wife and kid in tow, we have some family to see there, but most of time will be for looking at property.

Is this a tax deductible ‘business travel’ expense if claiming before ownership?

What if i decide against buying so no ownership in future to show for the effort?

Can i claim in 2019 TR even if I don’t purchase until 2020?

Thank you, BP brains.