Please write an honest either a critique or a correction to your critique. 

I’d get 2 professional quotes in writing (pay for them if needed.Use those figures to come to an agreement.

@John Minnix, that is why I decided to write about it.

If they don't you should have an attorney send a demand letter (these usually aren't too expensive, especially if you write the draft and then the attorney edits it to make sure its in compliance and something they are willing to send, as some let you do). 

I had a lawyer write up an agreement.

Since it's easy and advantageous to write off in the same year, It is easy for me to be consistent in that manner, but I don't think we have that choice, we have to follow what IRS allowing.

thanks Zachary, I read where in order for me to write off the investment expense that I would have to be putting in 15 hours per week since as an investor since I'm full time W2 with a different employer. 

Paid $800 for a structural engineer to write up a 10 page piece of fluff telling us all the ways we could spend money to fix the sinking but settled foundation.

Of course like any large project there was ups and downs but I don’t want to write a book.

OK get the easiest out of the way - Depreciation does give you a current year write off.