Obviously this is a great benefit, but I can't see any other benefit from a tax perspective.  

#3 is the individual credible i.e. have they done what I want to do or have a unique perspective that will help me get to #1 faster?

As two veterans just starting out in real estate rental investing, our goal is to share our unique perspective and the key lessons we're learning along the way. 

Looking for perspective from someone with experience in this area.

I don't work with any residential family-home buyers, so I can only speak from an investor's perspective. 

I would recommend myself as an experienced investor with an investor's perspective to anyone who needs help with property management and real estate investing strategy.

From my perspective as a potential buyer or a real estate agent who represents a buyer, what I am looking for from my wholesaler partners is that they bring me deals that fit our buy box consistently, always disclose everything they know and can close deals on time.

Just be sure to have someone you trust and knows the area to give you the boots on the ground perspective.

I have 2 STRs in Hilton Head and they are great from a cash flow perspective and appreciationWe manage them ourselves and it only requires about an hour a week total.

From my perspective, you are acting responsibly by wanting to have your contractor inspect the property before finalizing the deal.