Normal wear and tear refers to deterioration over time from ordinary use, but damage like a large oil stain in the driveway from a vehicle is preventable and would fall under tenant responsibility.

As i continue to pursue this path, I also wanted to put an opportunity out there to any new potential partners. 

Owners are ok, not happy lol but ok with paying for items and issues, just want to understand what's going on. 

Quick summary: A Phase I ESA gives you the "Innocent Landowner Defense" protection under federal Superfund regulations.

So that I find out doing my own calls to find out why the offers was denied even was just so close from asking price and Im willing to go with second offer, I found out that the place has reserve litigation issue and my agent who I rely on and keep emphasizing how we need to work smart dropped the ball again on me and didn't due enough diligence even he claims he knows how to do property searches etc etc which made me feel its an extra that he has, it was very sample to just ask the listing agent so not to waste my time neither his sending unnecessary contracts...

We are going to be self managing our properties from out of state, and need someone who can show prospective tenants property, allow maintenance workers/inspectors in, and to hold our key.

Start-up costs are also deductible but are amortized over 15 years with a limit of 5k.Start-up costs have strict rules and your case might not be the same as this one.Case Summary:Timeline line of eventsStarted investigating property: FebPut first contract (canceled): MayBought first property: December 30thWhether a taxpayer is engaged in a trade or business is determined using a facts and circumstances test under which courts have focused on the following three factors that indicate the existence of a trade or business:Whether the taxpayer undertook the activity intending to earn a profit;Whether the taxpayer is regularly and actively involved in the activity; andWhether the taxpayer's activity has actually commenced.On the basis investor testimony, we may assume that he undertook this activity to make a profit and that he regularly and actively engaged in it.

If you want to network or ask specific questions about your local market, go to your local real estate forum and connect with investors from your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86-local-real-estate-networking5.

Simon, Here in FL its much easier for us because we know a few things:1) The U.S. is severely under supplied in housing units. 2) Tons of people are moving to Florida everyday which makes point #1 even more drastic for us. 3) Interest rates are preventing people from selling their homes, because then they would need to re-trade for a higher interest rate buying a new home, which is creating even more housing demand.So with this knowledge, now we move to more market specific data, which is what I talk about in the original post.If a market shows decent growth and demand, then it all boils down to the numbers.Its important not to forget about any costs though.

I have found that I need to enjoy it but also that the way that it works needs to resonate with me to where I believe that it will work so that I can go all in on it!