The person told us they were supposed to start a job in town on that Monday and never came back. 

Cost segs unlock these savings, but the losses won't offset your ordinary income from your job unless you are an RE Pro.Here's how to think about RE Pro status to make the best case with your CPA and the IRS:RE Pro Status starts with the IRS definition of a Real Estate Professional (IRS Pub 925).It is not as simple as getting a real estate license or working for a firm that provides real estate services.Ask yourself these questions to see if you qualify:Q1: Are you in the right business?

My dad had died, my husband lost his job, Cascade said we could do this to keep home and we thought would be added to loan.

Chalk it up to a lesson learned and fire them and get someone else to complete the job.

We use Avail.co to do the background checks, prepare and store leases, and to offer the required renter's insurance policy.Stessa.com does a good enough job acting as a free substitute for Quickbooks.AirBnB and Furnishedfinder.com for listing the space (though I will be trying MiniStays soon). 

2- how many hours did you put into the job?

Awesome job and good deal!

You are getting a lot of advice because that's what you asked for, but the real issue is that you went into this knowing nothing, with no help, and not enough money to do the job so it makes sense you are thinking of quitting.

I've got the basics down like schools, jobs, good/bad neighbourhoods, but as a newbie investor, I'm wondering if there are any insider tips you could share.Thanks again for your help

I agree with other responses here, and to piggyback on them it seems everyone plans to 'own forever' when they sign a 30 year lease or finance term, and then things change (job, relationship, life events, etc) and folks try to sell the property with 25-28 years left.Banks do not look at power bills when determining DTI, but they will look at a solar loan/lease.