I'm not sure how they can not see it was not an "act of god" with the circumstances.

The issue with section 179 expense is that you normally have to operate at positive income.Under most circumstances, bonus depreciation is better since you can take bonus depreciation even if you operate at negative income. 

In other words, if there are attorneys who can afford to specialize in just prosecuting dog owners for dog bites - then good luck defending against them.What I learned when I was studying law, was that if there is any history whatsoever that a dog has ever bitten someone or a dog before, then no matter the circumstances, if they bite again - they are automatically guilty.And, even as a dog lover, you and I both know that some breeds are more likely to bite than others.  

I had moved away from flipping for several years, but my life circumstances have changed and, fortunately, real estate provides endless opportunities to pivot when needed.

Because of special circumstances I have one property I self manage.

I've done it for two different properties and happy I didn't go FHA for that reason- although everyone's circumstances are different.

Consider an unlucky combination of circumstances - i.e. you loose your job at the worst moment.- increase in vacancy to 30%, 40%, 50% (this could be a combination of bad luck: one unit water damaged, one unit tenant trashed, and you have to evict two more - on a 10 unit portfolio that would be tough, even though only temporary)- lower rents (for whatever reason, what happens if rents go down 10% or 20%?)

Both loan servicing companies and insurance companies can be such a nightmare to work with even under normal circumstances.

My point is define Relatively what circumstances are you inferring?  

Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of terrible landlords out there, but deciding that you are victim of life's circumstances certainly won't improve your situation.