Because all these new construction homes were either started or finished during high inflationary times in regards to both materials and general real estate.

Its handy for me to store maintenance materials, lumber, vanities, applicances, etc, for my other properties.

My guess is materials from stores like Home Depot or Lowes.

I self manage, have material participation status and file on a schedule C.

The number one thing I tell fellow investors is that in the city proper you will deal with 36th district court and that has a material impact on the speed with which the court process will proceed if you need to evict. 

There are still materials and maybe some other specific trades, which you and your sons may not be able to do.* Ask that same real estate professional above, if it is worth doing the rehab, if you decide to sell?

tougher than advertised. there is lots of competition for deals; good contractors are booked up; materials are expensive; and interest rates are high.

This will usually be an excel sheet, or maybe something fancier, that will outline, item by item, everything that needs to be done, parsing out every item, labor, materials, etc. 

How do I track my material hours on my investment property in order to take depreciated losses against my W2 income.What is the best way to track my hours to make sure I get to 100 hours and more then anyone other person involved in the STR?

If they want to sell now or in six months, you need to know before giving them an offer so you don't lose leverage by giving them an offer now instead of closer to when they are ready to finalize.Since you are already going to the property, take good pictures and make sure you capture the electrical panel, HVAC labels, and plumbing material.