Such is life bro.

I think this is a great "real life" example to share and get other opinions.

Impressive Rent-to-Price Ratios: Average rents for 3-bed homes are about $800-$900/month, potentially yielding 12-15% gross returns.Economic Transition: While historically industrial, Bay City is diversifying into healthcare, education, and service sectors.Revitalization Efforts: Downtown redevelopment and community initiatives are breathing new life into the city.Strong Cash Flow Potential: Low property taxes and insurance costs contribute to robust monthly cash flows.Let's crunch some numbers on a hypothetical deal:Purchase Price: $75,000Down Payment (20%): $15,000Mortgage (4.5% interest, 30-year fixed): $304/monthProperty Tax: $100/monthInsurance: $60/monthEstimated Repairs/CapEx: $100/monthProperty Management (10%): $85/monthTotal Monthly Expenses: $649Potential Rent: $850/monthEstimated Monthly Cash Flow: $201Cash-on-Cash Return: About 16.08% (not including appreciation or tax benefits)These are rough estimates, and individual properties will vary.

The IRS considers fence replacements as improvements that extend the life or value of the property, even if it’s replacing an old, damaged fence.The depreciation period for a fence on a rental property is 15 years under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS).

For the most part yes and depending on what you have going on in life an LLC might be overkill and why I think John gave a terrific answer

Further, many (again may not be a majority, just more than another group) have life’s “out of control”; domestic violence, drive by shootings, kids with gang affiliations.  

However, improvements generally need to be capitalized and depreciated over their useful life unless the amount is below $2,500, in which case you can utilize the de minimis safe harbor to deduct those costs in the current year.

I have lived here in Columbus, Ohio all my life and I can say that it has all 4 seasons here.

but... in my experience, you will be in a stronger position if you build a network of humans by going to real estate meetups and really learning a market.for example - here in Pittsburgh we have a lot of old houses that need big rehabs. and the best software / AI in the world can't help me, because it doesn't know the conditions of the interior, the sewer line, etc. for most of them. 

The government has set it up so that if you use some good accounting strategies you can avoid payment of tax for your life.