I don't think that service animals are classified as "pets".

Hi Brian, are you utilizing Craigslist and other free classified to sell the property?

otherwise I risk being classified as a real estate dealer and losing the tax benefits on my rental properties, right?

Once a building is classified as SRO, it can be very difficult to convert to something else; usually, that involves waiting for tenants to leave and not replacing them.

So this is not in any way a classified.

Just because you claim everyone as an independent contractor with your accountant, does not mean the State will automatically classify them as independent contractors.2 Quick tips - If they can make a profit or loss on a project and control their own schedule, it hard to argue they are an employee.- Always get the certificate of insurance from the contractors insurance agent, not the contractor. 

Is the rough shape enough to classify as a gut rehab?

Does anyone still advertise We Buy Houses in the newspaper? What do you pay? Is it worth the expense?

If it is determined by the contractor that entire sections of the siding need to be replaced, will that still be classified as a repair?

I have built what you would classify as a junker portfolio and have done well.