Tax deductions for paying a handy man or buying used appliances?

[Jeremy S.]

if I pay my brother or young cousins $10/hr for demo or cleaning work, can I write that off the same way I would for any other contractor?

How about if I were to replace a range hood or other appliance with one from craigslist?

Are tax deductions limited to professional contractors and items purchased from stores? 2014 will be my first year as a landlord and I want to make sure my records are being kept properly. Thank you

[Steven Hamilton II]

Originally posted by @Jeremy S.:

if I pay my brother or young cousins $10/hr for demo or cleaning work, can I write that off the same way I would for any other contractor?

How about if I were to replace a range hood or other appliance with one from craigslist?

Are tax deductions limited to professional contractors and items purchased from stores? 2014 will be my first year as a landlord and I want to make sure my records are being kept properly. Thank you

Jeremy,

Yes you can write that off. I recommend that you pay that by check and write what it was for in the memo portion or have them write you an invoice.

I recommend looking into a cheap copy of quickbooks so that you maintain proper records from the beginning.
Have proof of what you paid.
SO a copy of the ad from craigslist or your e-mail negotiating price.