I collected a bunch of MTR comps on furnished finder, ran the numbers, and found that for one my typical 1 br/1ba places, I'd get maybe an extra 15%, but only if I allowed pets (all the MTR comps I saw had noticeably higher rents if they allowed pets...I don't know if that was just a fluke, but it seemed pretty consistent).  ...that extra 15% I found was after I deducted allowances for vacancy and the cost of furnishing the place (though, I'm not sure my vacancy estimates were accurate)... 

This is out of an article that should help you get your research started: A taxpayer may not deduct losses sustained in the demolition of buildings and their structural components.

., i do not manage them, but all expenses and bills are paid by each property ( their own expenses, no commingling ) when i travel to them the trip is deductible from that properties llc.

If anyone has first hand experience and an example of how to use this deduction, that would be really helpful.

The preliminary report says we would be eligible for ~$390k in eligible deductions.

For newly constructed, purchased or renovated properties and also retroactive generally over the last 10 years, building components are properly classified into individual units of property and accurate recovery periods for computing depreciation deductions.

What if there is a storm and the roof needs to be replaced and someone needs to pay the deductible?

Insurance would cover it, I would pay the deductible, and no assets would be lost.If you are in an area like San Diego where people are more likely to sue, a judge is more likely to find you guilty, and the payout is expected to be higher, you may consider an umbrella insurance policy.

I would like to know if this is a deductible expense on my taxes.

Bear in mind you will still owe depreciation recapture tax for depreciation deductions you took while operating it as a rental.