@Jessica H. you are most definitely entitled to take these deductions.The way auto deductions work is you're entitled to take the greater of: (1) the standard mileage, which is your business mileage driven throughout the year multiplied by the standard mileage rate for the year, or (2) actual costs (gas, tolls, parking, maintenance, car washes, etc.).If you're driving 100+ miles each way, I'm going to bet you're better off with the standard mileage option, in which case you just need to track your miles.

I bet this the same apartment complex discussed here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/88/topics/340...If so, it's not a good deal at the asking price.

If you live in an area where they sell within a week, then a fast cash offer is your best bet.  

If I can recoup all of my original investment - and I'm pretty confident I can do that at least - then I'll feel "OK" about the deal.

A better bet would to buy a property at University of Redlands.

I thought my best bet would be to become an agent so I could learn how the real estate market works, gain capital, and most importantly create relationships with people who can show me the ropes and point me in the right direction.

Betting on what you don't know is rarely an effective strategy. 

As Ryan Dossey mentioned if you get belly to belly with them I bet you would have ended up with a few rentals if you want in the landlord game....

I think option 3 is your best bet, but make sure you get paperwork on it from the tenant for the dispute, exact cost, and a signature of release of liability.  

I'm interested in acquiring rental properties for cash-flow, not bets on appreciation.