To rent the home, I would lose about $2,500 per month (based on comparable rents in my area, property management fees, etc).Both options loose the same amount by roughly 2 years, and by this time, I still will not have built up much more equity in the home to make selling it a break even unless there is price appreciation by then.My dilemma is this: I speculate that my home will not appreciate much in the next 3-5 years due to the rapid pace of development in the surrounding area.In 5-10+ years, maybe, but by then I'll have bled $150,000 - $300,000.I have thought about this a lot and feel that I mar'-too close to the problem to see the best solution.

I'm a contractor based in Maryland and DC, so the renovation aspect is well within my expertise, having done numerous projects for other developers and general contractors.However, I'm facing a challenge when it comes to choosing the interior design elements, such as bathroom tiles, colors, sizes, fixtures, etc.

Except you insist on giving the OP a "yes" based on the generic strategy (A) while I insist on giving him a "no" based on his specific situation (B).To answer your question to me - no, I'm not trying to be controversial.

Each CPA will answer the questions uniquely based on their interpretation of the tax law as well as your specific scenario, so I highly recommend having a trusted CPA answer this for you.

My name is Monty, and I’m based in Freeport, Florida.

Hi Derek,Based out of Surrey, BC and thinking of investing in the states as well.

Across the board, the worse the neighborhood, the better the cash flow, the better the neighborhood, the trade off for tenants base, better schools, low crime, etc etc.

for water stuff - if it is not raining based on ur experience how else one can test that?

Last time in my MFD ( multi Function Display) went off line and I had to break off and climb out of the clouds get on top and go back to home base.. that was a 15k  box that broke :( 

Alternatively, restructure the loan with equity participation for potential capital gains treatment at lower rates.