Do you have SE income? 

I have also found a couple in Knightdale and Garner/ SE Raleigh that exceed that rule.

I have some water intrusion during heavy rain at the entrance of my English basement turned Airbnb in SE.

(specifically looking for inner 610 loop, Clear Lake/Friendswood/(SE 45 Corridor) and Galveston areas).- Plumber- Electrician- Termite Inspector- Surveyor- Insurance (for investment properties)Thank you in advance for any suggestions!

CAVEAT: Yes, I realize a portion of the debt service goes toward loan amortization, so you're not "losing" that portion per se. 

Rental real estate is a "per se" passive activity under IRC §469(c)(2), regardless of participation level. 

I have a home in the SE valley.   

RV/Trailer Park (pros: profitable with medium investment upfront | cons: lots of regulatory permits needed, and again not in an "activity" zone per se)5.

So, it is not tax deductible, per se.

Let's say I need a BSCE and MSCE, 10-15 years exp, 5 years management, plastics, no gaps, no tenure less than 3 years, with ties to the SE: If I find someone who has all of this, they're in the door; if they interview well, they may get a job even if they are fairly mediocre.