W2 Job and Real Estate Tax Deductions

[Bob Lett]

Let's say you're a new investor with a W2 job. As you start buying property out of state (air travel needed), can you deduct the travel? The reason I ask is because I've heard that you need to have your primary income in the business of real estate, such that if your W2 is a full-time job making you the majority of your money, the real estate investing is not tax deductible. At what point can you start claiming tax write-offs for the real estate business? Do you need an LLC or or can you purchase as an individual with the same tax incentives?