As well as most folks are far to paranoid about litigation and liability when they are starting out. owning a SFR rental with proper insurance is about as safe as it gets with regard to liability as long as your not being a slumlord.

I couldn’t stand watching a portfolio of this size lose its relative value because it was 100% “safe”.

I added $20k to that to be safe and estimated $100k.I started at $330k and took off the $100k rehab and $10k carrying costs (interest only LOC and taxes, insurance, etc.)

Here's how it works in a nutshell according to IRS Pub 946.Consider depreciating rental property costs that may last > 1 year and aren’t eligible for De Minimus Safe Harbor (more on DMSH at a later time).You cannot depreciate the cost of land because land does not wear out, become obsolete, or get used up.

If it is normal and it's out of budget for you, you can either use financing to lower your cash outlay, partner up, or find a different property.If the work is cosmetic, it wouldn't be a big issue to tackle on your own, but if it's more than that, probably best to play it safe and hire out.

I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years.

This might entail buying a single-family home with rental potential and living in one area while renting out the other units, or it could entail buying a multifamily property and living in one apartment while renting out the others.Financing Options: Look into traditional mortgages, FHA loans (for home hacking), and other inventive financing techniques.

Developing contacts with wholesalers, going to neighbourhood real estate events, and networking with other real estate professionals can all help you gain access to off-market acquisitions.Utilise direct marketing techniques to get in touch with property owners directly.

Expenses AFTER the in Service date are then considered for repair vs improvement and then applying De Minimus Safe Harbor considerations.So frustrating to be the only tax professional commenting on this thread that is waving her arms and say HEY!! 

Clackamas county (slightly less expensive) or Washington county (intel,Nike,Apple,Microsoft) these tech companies have increased the cost of living and house prices  (it’s higher than downtown pdx) but the neighborhoods are good and safe.