---Unfortunately, every "guru" and even many investors, fluff their numbers to get positive attention.

He is a family friend and we have even looked at some off market for sale by seller too that I identified stuff where he wouldn’t even earn a commission and he was happy to investigate for me - more of a looking out for me / family than counting a check (I am not looking for expensive real estate and he has owns the brokerage of 20+ agents, unfortunately my purchase isn’t much of a profit opportunity for the office but would probably be more embarrassing on him if we get something wrong  😂) Noted on the inspection though and I will stipulate it is a deal breaker on my side.

That is unfortunate.

At 541, your partner currently does not qualify for a loan unfortunately. 

Unfortunately the 3 asset classes that banks are not fond of right now are rural properties, commercial office space, and vacant land. 

Start-up costs are also deductible but are amortized over 15 years with a limit of 5k.Start-up costs have strict rules and your case might not be the same as this one.Case Summary:Timeline line of eventsStarted investigating property: FebPut first contract (canceled): MayBought first property: December 30thWhether a taxpayer is engaged in a trade or business is determined using a facts and circumstances test under which courts have focused on the following three factors that indicate the existence of a trade or business:Whether the taxpayer undertook the activity intending to earn a profit;Whether the taxpayer is regularly and actively involved in the activity; andWhether the taxpayer's activity has actually commenced.On the basis investor testimony, we may assume that he undertook this activity to make a profit and that he regularly and actively engaged in it.

.)- Ask the neighbors (unfortunately a lot of these houses are in run down areas and the neighbors are transient renters who don't know anything)Pay Sources:- Peoplefinder.com (not too expensive, shows a lot of addresses, married/maiden names, relatives, roommates, etc.

But without a slam dunk case, suing someone is usually more costly in time and money than it's worth unfortunately. 

Unfortunately if the security deposits did not transfer you will still be responsible for them out of pocket.

Trust, but verify.I was looking for someone that already is or on their way to being financially free, someone who I can connect with personally, and who is willing to teach/coach me in my specific circumstances.