.- Depends on what you're doing specifically, but usually I'd recommend getting an EIN at least to give access to business bank accounts- Repeating #1, if you're going to a property and 100% of your time is spent doing renovations and the like, sure, but if any of it is for personal benefit, that'd be disallowed.

That was my whole reason for the post, trying to figure out how to use my sizeable retirement account to my benefit to grow my business of owning/managing rentals. 

To simplify the existing lease I thought about asking the tenant if they would be ok modifying the addendums to get rid of the resident benefit package and the building protection plan. 

In my 30 years doing this I’ve found that as long as you address each issue that comes up properly and do the repair needed to bring that part of the building up to current code then you will be fine.

A shower is generally acceptable as long as it meets building code requirements for plumbing and drainage.

total return from an RE investment includes value added, appreciation, tax benefits, equity pay down, and the cash flow. 

I then called the customer and told them their agent needs an education , of course the deck isnt up to todays code , code changes every year . 

The mortgage would stay under the seller's name.The buyer could then rent out the unit, renovate, etc. to increase cash flow or make more money.But aside from a possible "due on clause" being called by the mortgage company, what's the benefit to the seller?

The owner doesn't really benefit much except for not having to pay a mortgage anymore?

Giving them a financial hand to leave could be to your benefit, but I would keep that in my back pocket until its necessary. 7.