Tax-Deductible Expenses for General REI Activities

[Ryan H.]

Hello, 

I own one rental property and report income and expenses related to that property on schedule E.  However, I also have other expenses in connection with general real estate investment activities (not connected with the property I own but instead with my search for additional rentals) - marketing and education, especially.  Can I deduct these as business expenses for 2020?  I did register a business in connection with these activities, but not until later in the year.