Maintain detailed records to substantiate deductions for materials, labor, and expenses, which can significantly reduce taxable income.While an S-Corp provides tax savings, it also requires payroll management and compliance with formalities, making it essential to stay organized or consult a tax professional for ongoing compliance.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Using quality yet affordable materials can transform a space without excessive costs.I could remember working on a property an investor purchased.

@Scott Trench - have you considered investing in short term rentals, materially participating, and having the average stay be less than 7 days?

Long term that makes them tough to sell to anyone else but an STR investor.There are much fewer quality STRs available to rent, so that's one way to differentiate.

I have a short term rental that I self manage and am considered a real estate professional based on material participation rules.  

It seems easy, but is a tough job, and usually worth the 10% premium they ask. 

Plus licensing is crazy expensive.There are issues all over the place here and getting anything to cash flow is a tough row to hoe.

This creates a softer material that causes the home to sink.

Second thing would be to work with a contractor, this is great stuff to do since you know building a house, building material costs, and knowledge of right and wrong what to do. 

Investing is tough here because its popular and saturated, but there are still good investments to be made.