The problem with logging any type of hour is that the burden of proof will be on you so you need to be creating a paper trail as much as possible in order to avoid having an auditor disqualify some of your hours (and they will try to do just that). 

Little did I know the state send auditors out to check out new applicants.

The auditor failed.

Best practice is to review the auditors website or call the county to confirm the facts. 

While it is true that a home office deduction would cause an uptick in the odds of an audit in the past, it is no longer the case.That said, in the event that you are flagged for an audit for some other reason, an auditor will more than likely look into a home office deduction while they are looking into the primary issues.But if you are otherwise qualified to take a deduction, you shouldn't allow the possibility that it might be hard to substantiate lead you to leave it behind.  

According to Licking County Auditor records, Amazon Data Services Inc. bought 392.11 acres of land ($ $116,653,320.) on the west side of Beech Road and straddling Miller Road on January 17, 2023.Intel has invested $20 billion initial investment in two fabs (short for fabrication plants; they typically produce silicon wafers), with construction beginning in late 2022 and the facility expected to open in late 2025.

If the property is in Franklin County you should be able to check the Franklin County auditors site for history and contact information.

Hopefully everyone will figure it out and keep out of an IRS auditors hands.

My next door neighbor is a state auditor for the NY state tax department.

I'd check with the county auditor to see if it's recognized and if the work was permitted. my own opinion is that you added extra tenants, kitchens, bathrooms, etc to a building that it wasn't intended for and the rest weren't updated for it. for a first time investment it sounds like a no to me. just my 10 years of experience opinion without looking at the deal. worst case make an offer and get a very thorough inspection. make sure they check age of everything and pay the extra for the sewer line to be inspected.