Hey Joey,Cost Segregation and REPS: Yes, you can perform a cost segregation study once your wife qualifies for Real Estate Professional Status (REPS) and use accelerated depreciation to offset your W2 income in subsequent years of renting the property.Purchasing Another Property: It can be beneficial to purchase another rental property within the first 5 years to continue maximizing depreciation deductions.

By staying adaptable and informed then study it and make decisions. 

He had to prove he was not another person and his house had nothing to do with that case.

I have seen 2 recent studies comparing initial cost of renting to purchasing.  

I'm not a CPA (although I do know a great one that specializes in RE specifically) but you can run a cost segregation study to accelerate depreciation into the first year to help on taxes (although this is phasing out, but can still be powerful), and may help with your plan to do Roth conversions. 

Can they prove how long it takes to rent a vacant property?

I was wondering if any real estate professionals like you can prove this to be a good move in terms of investing.

While serving as a VP of Retail Operations for over 20 years at a national retail chain, I consistently pursued real estate studies and successfully invested in several properties.Currently, my primary focus is on selling and listing real estate throughout the Atlanta market.

A cost segregation study is a great way to reduce your taxes, but remember, not every cost segregation study is the same.When considering different cost segregation firms do your Circular 230 Due Diligence and ask:- Does the firm have engineering licenses with the State Authorities, proper licenses overall, and proper insurance?

Can they prove how long it takes to rent a vacant property?