You could also get a Full-Time or Part-Time job in any part of real estate....working for a top Real Estate office on weeknights and weekends, working for an RE Investor, working for a General Contractor and learning a few skills, etc.

Back and forth emails with one of the "office staff", her saying "I will forward your email to Julie and Peter, blah blah..." and still nothing!

Hi @Chen Avnery I've been a land broker in Southern California for fifteen years and before that I was a subdivision title officer for seven years. 

I am a loan officer who works with many real estate agents and property investors.

Would this be a similar approach for something like a Home Office deduction?

I am a loan officer so feel free to reach out if you are interested in financing, or if you just want to discuss further/have questions.

I would make the sub come to my office and talk to the front desk where his / her check was waiting ..

Alternatively, look into renovation-specific loans like the Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation or FHA 203K loans as standalone products for rehab costs.FHA 203K LoanPros:Low Down Payment & Bundled Costs: This loan simplifies the process by combining the purchase and rehab costs into one mortgage.Cons:Interest Rate & Refinance Requirement: Higher interest rates and the need for refinancing could reduce your overall return on investment.Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation LoanPros:Bundled Costs: Like the FHA 203K, this loan combines purchase and renovation costs, simplifying the process.Cons:Interest Rate & Refinance Requirement: Similar to the FHA 203K loan, the need for refinancing to extract equity and convert to an investment property might add to your costs.I am a loan officer so I have some expertise in this area.

Talk to you county tax office they should be able to tell you exactly how it works for your state.Also you can create self directed IRA'S with checkbook control or a self directed Solo401k. 

I would try to look them both up on the county clerk's office website for the county they report to live in... and maybe a few of the surrounding counties.