I am just starting out in real estate and I wanted to offer this site for help with getting the auditors office in each county through out the US. http://www.netronline.com Also I wanted to ask if there are any resources that any other members use to find out information about the properties such as any liens on the deed and finding out if the previous owner had a mortgage and things of that nature.

In Ohio, it sounds like our county auditor is like your assessor - they classify, document, and record the taxes and ownership on all property.

With auditors and regulators you are ALWAYS guilty until proven innocent.

Just be careful of dealer status with your flipping scenario.Apart from other issues the IRS auditor didn't like another LLC being paid management fees but it passed after scrutiny (including the operating agreement etc) along with the rental by the S-Corp of LLC owned office space, tools, mileage allowances etc.

I think I know how to beat him in the long run though.I haven't been able to see this house in person right away as I have a very busy life right now (mainly I got a new job as an auditor of a delivery company!

Only reason 16 unit is still on the market is because I am representing the bank on the sale and they have auditors in their office so they can't respond to any offers at this time.

Willie: go to the internet site for your county and look at the county auditor site.

Some of this seems common sense, some seems like you gotta follow the rules, regardless of if it makes sense, and some things there just isn't a consensus on, and only an audit or possibly an IRS "opinion/permission" letter will clear it up.Thanks to everyone for your' posts.

Troy Baughman,The best thing you can do is keep a log of what properties you visit on what days with the Odometer reading; however, many auditors will accept a log that only shows the places traveled to and a MapQuest or Google Maps printout of recurring destinations to give an approximation that it is realistic.The log should have: Date, Miles driven, business purpose of trip.There are many great apps out there as James Vermillion mentioned.

I have had some auditors let slide round trip deductions.If you simply drive from home to the rental and back that is not deductible.If you drive from home to the rental to Lowes, to the rental, to home.