A cost segregation study looks at the overall building that you purchased and breaks it down as much as possible.The purpose of this is to increase the depreciation expense.Without a cost segregation study, you are depreciating the property over two items(Building and Land).However, a cost segregation study might identify items such as fencing which might be eligible to be depreciated over 15 years instead of 27.5 years.Depending on the year that the building was placed into service, you might be able to take bonus depreciation on certain items.The follow-up question to ask your CPA is will the cost segregation study help me, and by how much?

Might be worth it to hire a PM, or to look into getting a professional screening service.

Hi Aaron, I use a property tax protest service currently.

Using a lower-cost skip tracing service and then a call/mail/sms campaign service separately may reduce your costs.

When you engage with a new vendor, have it be a standard procedure that this worksheet or packet be filled out with documents provided before you will engage their services.

A pro tip is if you call shared office spaces or co working spaces in your city they also offer virtual mailbox services at usually better prices than the national ones!

Here’s the quick-and-dirty lowdown to get you started:1️⃣ Where to Look:LoopNet & Crexi: Good for commercial deals, though the best ones go fast.MLS (Multiple Listing Service): Access through a realtor for hidden gems.Auction Sites: Think Auction.com or HUD homes for distressed properties.Direct Mail Campaigns: Target landlords with older properties (especially those with code violations).2️⃣ Systems for Finding Deals (Step-by-Step):Set Your Criteria: Market, budget, unit count, rehab level.Build a Deal Funnel: Use LoopNet, Crexi, wholesalers, auctions, and brokers.Analyze Quickly: Use a property calculator to see if it cash flows.Direct Outreach: Contact sellers or property managers directly.Get Your Network Tight: Property managers, realtors, contractors—they’ll drop the best leads.3️⃣ What Makes a Good Deal:Cash Flow Positive from Day 1.Below Market Value (usually needs rehab).Upside Potential: Think rent increases, better management, or refinancing options.4️⃣ How to Become the Better/Best:Study the Market Like a Hawk.

Not sure where your STR is located, but you might want to look into local STR management companies that also offer staging services.

A couple of questions: do you have students call the utility services to put the services under their names before move in?

Is there a no win / no fee type of service I should be searching for?