It's available for certain components of any kind of properties.

However, the value of your labor generally cannot be included in the cost basis for depreciation purposes.Accelerated Depreciation: A cost segregation study would identify components of your property that can be depreciated over shorter periods, such as personal property and land improvements.

It applies to certain components only, such as carpets, appliance, fences etc.4.

Insuring old housing stock can certainly have an added insurance component. 

In that case, it may make more sense to convert existing components of a home (attached/detached garage) into additional rentable space rather than building an additional structure.

I could have a need for some VA work if you're interested in defining some sales cycles and practicing some cold calling.

I'd suggest you define your qualification criteria and publish it in your ad and follow HUD screening best practices from there. 

So, let's define what IS a "good" market to start in? 

Can you just replace the roof yourself, then apply for insurance with any different company and not mention the roof just like you wouldn't call out any other component of the property?

I'll define Allentown as the Lehigh / Northampton county areas.