It's just a bit cost prohibitive on smaller properties, and the IRS doesn't mind if you just do it the easy way (the incorrect way) and use straight-line depreciation since that results in overpaying taxes. 

Without knowing a remote location well or having a quality trusted team in place, I would be very hesitant to pull the trigger on a deal like this without having ALL of my facts straight and independently verified by multiple sources.Not trying to talk you out of it.  

I presume I have a choice between straight-line and accelerated depreciation?

I believe the changes will only satisfy your personal not financial goals.If I were to change anything I would either run the front stairs straight up to the 2nd level as opposed to a platform and branch stairs to the sides.

Doubtful that water run off or falling ice is hitting your siding, no matter how much it rains it falls pretty much straight down.

It doesn't always work out that way.... for example, I'm a really good landlord (as I've found out just this year) but the thought of being a landlord makes me want to run straight into a concrete wall.

I would take the case straight to my eviction attorney.

@Sarkis GezalyanSo let me get this straight, you're investing in out-of-state quarter-million-dollar 2000ft2 4/3/2 SFR as your first play in real estate?

thank you for the quick and straight forward reply!

As well, and assuming necessary, once done, you can advertise this upgrade and the positive resulting heating and cooling bills in future marketing when the need arises.For straight rentals (not a property sold via Lease Option, CFD, or other Owner Financing), I never pass large expenses on to my tenants (pretty much anything over $300, unless their fault), but assuming this is a defect or need that I did not see in my pre-purchase home inspection report, I will just deal with it out of my own pocket and earn a bit of positive "good landlord capital" in the process.Good luck with it!