A more accurate way to describe it is "I received no income" - because you can have deals but still have no profit if your expenses are greater than your income.If you were actively looking for deals (and can document it) - as opposed to merely planning to start later - then you file Schedule C and claim business expanses such as marketing, driving, technology and so on. 

You can then document these in a SOW, which helps contractors provide accurate bids.

@Silas Melson, I agree with @Bruce Woodruff that a price per square foot approach is likely to be the least accurate and least useful.

However, that's only a rule of thumb because it isn't accurate!

It would be smart to do a full lease audit, estoppels issued, and tenant interviews.And if you are buying cash, there is nothing mandatory, since it is your money at risk. but again, physical condition inspections, understanding of tenants (they are a great source of information about issues with the property that the landlord may not know or may not disclose), surveys to understand accurate property lines, etc.

@Chizitem Ibeneme Call local property managers in the areas you're considering for the most accurate info on rental rates.

It does appear that all the receipts were accurate, nothing that was purchased that didn’t show up somewhere in the house.

It might not be 100% accurate but it'll at least give you some directional data to use. 

Their different backgrounds will lead to 80-90% of the same stuf being pointed out, but the 10-20% differences can be eye-opening and lead to more accurate bids.Suggest you visit a Home Depot on a Saturday, between 6-8am.

2024 v 2025 is a gamble.