Reroofing: 3 properties at once or one at a time?

[John Hatch]

I own 6 rental properties -- all are single family homes. Three of my properties need new roofs. One needs a new roof ASAP. I've been putting it off because it's a big expense. My question is which option is best?

a. Reroof one a year for 3 years.

b. Reroof all at once. (I do have the cash available to do this.)

c. Reroof all 3 but set up financing.

If I finance, will I be able to just write off the payments? Will I have to depreciate the new roofs or can I expense it all in the year I do it? I worry that if I do all 3 I'll have too much of a write off for a single year.