If not, even though you are a re pro, losses are passive & deductions are limited.There are 7 scenarios that will qualify as material, and you only need to meet one:*500 hours*Substantially all participation*> 100 hrs and at least 1/2*Significant participation*5/10 years*Personal service activity w participation in last 3 years*Continuous participationTo materially participate, you must be involved in the operations of the activity on a regular, continuous, and substantial basis.Once you pass the pro test, the material participation often comes along for the ride.You can elect to aggregate all rental real estate for purposes of measuring material participation under Sec. 1.469-9(g).Your time spent on all your rental properties (STRs don't qualify) counts as one activity, making it easier to materially participate.In order to make a strong case with your CPA and the IRS you need to document your hours.Best practice is an hours log where you are as specific as possible.

I was hoping to get other owners to join me in protest but no one seems interested. 

those peaceful protesters are really something.

There are numerous property tax protest companies in Texas.  

He is currently protesting a rent increase, and travelled from NY to FL to personally harass my family and I last week.

"The lady doth protest too much, methinks" If you have anything of substance to add to this discussion and show the flaws in the logic or arguments I present to support my position, please don't hesitate to tag me.  

Please join our Facebook protest page.

It's common when you do these water payments that a few will pay the rent but not the water bill in protest.   

Couple things I wish someone told me when I rented out my primary in Katy:- your taxes will go up dramatically over time - cash flow is inconsistent- while Katy is a fantastic rental market it's still competitiveTo answer your questions: - yes, the homestead exemption will increase your taxes at a faster rate but you can protest them either yourself (I don't recommend as I've tried and it was a pain) or with a professional service- To start, you're either going to pay for books, classes, etc. or pay the school of hard knocks.

Connely/unarmed, Supervisor Smith 7 visits, etc...) and the hours they were there- and that better match up with the contractual requirements.