If I can not get access to the property, I will assume anything built before 1982 will contain asbestos/lead in common materials (based on my experience there's a 90% chance this is the case).I believe Texas requires any "contractor" performing ASB abatement to have a license, which means Texas has some regulations established regarding removal & disposal.In California, if you are the property owner you can perform the removal/abatement yourself (assuming SFR), the only requirement is that the asbestos waste be bagged up & taken to a designated facility (in my case in Santa Barbara there is a facility at UCSB where homeowners can take the waste at no/minimal charge). 

I found a lot with a SFH home on it, but its been zoned for a Multi-Family.How could I execute a purchase, tear-down, build.I want to purchase the house for say $150K cashtear-down the propertybuild a new duplex(MF)refi into a VA Loan.FYI my goal is to use my VA Loan at whatever stage of the process to best minimize my cash outlays.The tear down in Question is in Troy, MI in the Athens High School boundaries

To be completely honest I know very little and have minimal experience in the field, but I'm willing to learn and work hard,  as Ive done to become a great welder.So to end this here, if you're looking for some help or know of someone looking for help, I would appreciate it if you contacted me anytime, I can send my resume along with pictures of some weld work I do.

For instance, you can pay yourself from the CPA and contribute towards 401K and Roth and minimize tax liability.3) Read "Rich Dad Poor Dad", owning a business is the best way to minimize your tax liabilities.  

I’ve got the age old question of whether we should sell our townhome or keep it and make it our first rental.This is my first post on BiggerPockets so please let me know if I have left out any information that may be helpful in the analysis.Single Family TownhomeBuilt: 2001Purchase Date: 2008Purchase Price: $270,000Property Tax: $5700/yearHOA: $125/monthWater/Sewer: $1320/year (Must be paid to county by home owner)Insurance: $800/yearMaintenance Costs: $400/year Other planned future costs: Roof (in about 5 years, ~$5000), water heater (in 7 years, ~$1300 including labor), water softener (in 5 years, $500)Current Mortgage (Refinanced in 2012)Term: 15Rate: 3.375%Principal: $140,000Market Value: $230,000 (Upstate NY market with minimal appreciation expected)Rental: $2000/month ($2200 possible but I want to be conservative)I was also considering refinancing to a 30 year mortgage to help with cash flow but I’m not sure if it is worth the $4000-5000 in closing costs to refinance.Normally I would not consider this a good rental property because of the low/negative cash flow.

But I'm sure you can cut expenses (cut cable and go to streaming service, cancel gym and invest in a set of free weights/go on more hikes, minimize dining out, stop buying expensive coffees, etc).

The challenge is figuring out which ones work for your targets.These days you can get an MLS listing with minimal (read none) service which is still the 800 pound gorilla for retail real estate when selling or leasing.

Since there are obvious write-offs for maintenance and management, the tax bite will be minimal.

Your contract can be negotiated to have the Seller pay for some of your closing costs to minimize your out of pocket expenses. 

[Regarding your tax minimization questions, I'll just say: I only recommend Investments that would have you making a PROFIT!