I think I'm going to try the free trial and go from there!

Most real estate sales have two negotiations: The first before the contract is signed, and the second during the “inspection period.”

For a Lead Safe certificate (which shows that lead dust levels are within tolerances and has to be re-done periodically, as opposed to Lead Free, which shows that there isn't any lead to worry about and doesn't have to be renewed) almost all scenarios can be remediated by cleaning or repainting (followed by cleaning, of course). 

In other words, the IRS gets the bigger of the redemption periods - and no party gets a longer redemption period than the IRS when you look at it that way.

Is there a typical minimum period where the penalty applies, like 3-5 years?

I would NEVER consider renting out a large family home that is generally occupied by owners......not renters as you WILL BE disappoint on the care of you home.If on the other hand this is a one year trial and you do plan on moving back to it in a year then disregard my advice.

Only trial and error can be the deciding factor – perhaps.

A Cost Segregation study is an IRS approved federal income tax tool that increases near term cash flow by utilizing shorter recovery periods for depreciation to accelerate return on investment.

PERIOD!

We are also in a period of stabilizing the properties so we also have significant CapEx, most of the construction being handling by the property manager's in-house crew.