Expenses incurred before the in-service date will likely be capitalized (added to basis) and depreciated over the life of the property.It’s much more beneficial to deduct expenses in full as opposed to capitalizing and appreciating them, so it’s important to advertise the property as soon as possible.Since you’re doing rehab work, it’s also  important to note the different tax treatment of expenses with respect to repairs and capital improvements.These talking points should certainly be explored with a professional.

Go knock on the door.....be nice, respectful, and explain you are considering buying the house, ask them what their plans are, how you can help, etc.This accomplishes two things; you’ll likely get to see the inside of the house if all goes well and perhaps build a little rapport.  

Everyone wants to be a hard *** and say it’s a business, so cut no breaks ...we’ll business is also built on relationships over time and respect.

Very respectfully,Giovanni Luna

@Irina BelkoferI respectfully disagree:"Even when people are still living in the property, they allow for the Buyer to get inside - for example, their mom travelled from another state to see the house her kids are buying."

OK, so I know people talk about this all the time and everyone has their own opinions, but two separate individuals that I highly respect in the real estate field told me that mortgage rates are going up by the end of next week.

Treat your tenants with the utmost of respect.

Many years ago I learned how to tap into networks of wealthy people simply by being genuine and sincere and respecting them without them thinking I'm an opportunist - because I'm not.  

The Property Assessor's office is nearly always the legitimate source of information for identifying all characteristics, especially bed and bath count of a respective property. 

I typically always present it in a way that is very respectful and complimentary.