BP advice is a great starting place, but is no substitute for specific advice. 

Corner Cab's are OK to turn corners with, but not as a substitute for a straight one. 

Ask where where they keep the files for all the pending cases specifically "notice of substitute trustee".

How about substituting a handyman check of the water lines if they don't want maid service?

My wife has an awesome credit score but only works part time as a substitute teacher.

There really is no substitute for boots on the ground.  

Check those out as a substitute. 

Another concern is that you have given away control to the utility company, even though they may allow a certain number of "overrides" per year.There is no substitute for good continuous insulation, energy efficient windows and a high SEER rating on mechanical equipment, but this may a step in the right direction.

I'll mention a few pointers, but it's not going to resolve the confusion or substitute for hiring your own tax professional.- Buying assets does not necessarily allow you to offset your other income- If it does, it's for one year only- REPS and realtor license are unrelated- REPS is difficult, sometimes impossible, to qualify for when you have another business you manage- Managing the practice probably does not make your income "passive"- There're other potential tax strategies to explore- None of them are a magic bullet that suddenly erases your taxes, they can provide a partial relief onlyYou may find this long thread interesting (warning: like all public discussions, it has a lot of misconceptions): https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51-tax-legal-issues-contracts-self-directed-ira/topics/942575-tax-benefits-from-re-investing-in-high-income-earners

No substitute for your own due diligence.