I don't keep any tools in the house as the rehab is complete and still didn't while working on it(I rebuilt a little cargo trailer for ease in transport and storage of my tools).

Besides, I would prefer someone who is local (boston) that I can actually sit down with face to face.

If the trip does not qualify as a business trip, then transportation costs cannot be deducted at all, except for any specific costs that relate directly to a business meeting.

I live in Mass as well and have been to Boston AREIA and NEREIA.

I'm a software engineer in the Boston-area (Waltham), but I have a strong interest in real estate and development.

2 important factors for a good rental property location is being close to public transportation and shopping.

And your lack of transportation will make both finding and managing this property a real challenge.

I'd borrow Japan's public transportation system.4.

It works great for my building in Boston where the tenants are mostly 20 -30 year old young professionals.

I wouldve had about 8k in the deal including EVERYTHING (repairs,utilities, holding time, taxes, transportation costs, contingency etc) but i felt putting in 8k and selling for 12.5k (350/mo @16%, 48 mos) wasn't a wonderful return. 12.5k sales price was with repaired walls, new HVAC system, new paint, but not replacing flooring and several soft spots in subfloor.