You should get a good CPA to help you with the breakdown and taxes.

One of the things that I'm running into,  is trying to figure out how to setup entity structures to avoid the $800 CA franchise tax fee for every LLC you open (regardless if it's in-state or out-of-state).

also where can I find lists of tax sales?

I had already subscribe to QuickBooks but this is to keep track of the rental expenses and everything else that quicken offers to be more organize for the rental expenses for tax purposes.  

Sales are public information and so are property taxes.

You will need to do a Tourist development tax application and a short-term rental application.

If I do minor renovations before I list it, are those tax-deductible?

It is my understanding that they use your tax returns to verify your income.

You plan to declare the rental income on your tax returns either way, right? 

-My tax returns look crazy because all my income is offset by massive depreciation.