Now, when you talk to the tenant today, be straightforward but professional.

But I would be sure to look into that & speak to a tax professional up there before dumping too much time into research.

Readers should seek professional advice.

BP is a great place to connect and meet real estate investors and professionals.

Your best bet is to ask for referrals from professionals in the space: realtors, other investors, this forum, FB groups, etc.

They will get the highest price and the best terms for their property by marketing it professionally and exposing it to the maximum number of retail buyers, which means putting it on the MLS with an agent.

Find out who has good Google Reviews (and responds to them), find out who answers their phone, find out who has a polished and professional website, etc. 

Consult with a legal professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Assuming they are professional and skilled in the craft - alot of the issues you have faced, they will remediate and mitigate moving forward.

The first is that there's no consensus between tax professionals, and the second is that you will not like my personal interpretation.My interpretation is:Until the property is "placed in service" - everything goes into basis.Illustration.You buy a property July 1st.You finish rehab November 1st and put the property on the market.Your tenant moves in January 15th.The property was placed in service November 1st, and it does not matter that the tenant did not move in until the next year.Everything paid between July 1st and November 1st, including interest and utilities, goes into basis.