Begin now vetting mold remediators, their licenses, insurance, references, emphasis on the references that you can actually get on the phone. 

. ;-)Anyway, why don't you take a look at Schedule E (to from 1040) to derive at the answer to your questions: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040se.pdfStarting with line 3 you will see all the relevant parts that are to be considered when figuring out your taxable income (emphasis on "taxable" as this is ultimately what counts with respect to this particular discussion here).The form is fairly straight forward IMO.

I believe that we place too much emphasis on credit scores.

My goal in real estate is to primarily focus on buy and hold opportunities with an emphasis on multi-family once I meet the right person to teach me that part of the business.

With a special emphasis on being safe, because I am considering living in areas of town that are a little sketchier than average. 

I am currently finishing my BA in communications with a business emphasis. 

I've been an investor since 1999 with an emphasis on creative financing. 

Emphasis on for investors.

Ty, be careful how much emphasis and stock you put in the buzz words you hear in the flashy articles and ads.  

Here is a section from my FHA loan (emphasis added):"Borrower shall occupy, establish, and use the Property as Borrower's principal residence within sixty days after the execution of this Security Instrument (or within sixty days of a later sale or transfer of the Property) and shall continue to occupy the Property as Borrower's principal residence for at least one year after the date of occupancy, unless Lender determines that requirement will cause undue hardship for Borrower, or unless extenuating circumstances exist which are beyond Borrower's control.