I prefer an assignment @William Causey as it keeps me off the chain of title and any issue(s) that go with being in the chain, as well as any additional expenses related to a doublel close.

Loan-related fees and expenses3. 

If that time is relatively short, then a refi might make sense.

Deduct property-related expenses like mortgage interest, depreciation, and maintenance for tax savings.

I will also look for houses with deferred maintenance and search them to see if there is an absentee owner and/or older in age, maybe ready to move or downsize!

Plumbing is historically one of the most difficult things to fight since age and the structure matter so much and it is nearly impossible to pinpoint one issue that caused the damage. 

Every time we're preparing for a new administration, there's plenty of tax-related noise.

I’m starting to lean more towards private lending as a way to get my toes wet and get my money working for me in a relatively stable way.I’m looking for educational resources or literature.

Its the less aggressive model but it was programed into me from a young age, keep your business risk separate from the things that you need to live (home, car, food, etc.). 

This means you'll want to "write off" expenses related to a property you have in service because if those expenses don't benefit you this year they could in the future once you sell the property.We can get into a lot more details with the "if" "and" or "buts" BUT I think this would be the "simplest" answer without diving into your specific situation here.I hope this helps!