Really looking to upgrade to battery powered access control to be more efficient and cut costs during turnovers.

It has a sand paper-like feel and you can cut it to size.

Are there unnecessary expenses that can be cut out?

While you don't need an accountant for this as you can do your own research, and accountant can cut the research time in half, remove any noise, and tell you how that strategy can apply to your personal situation 

I have a small background in construction -- I used to do small jobs like tear up carpet or help cut or demolish sheet rock for my local church -- so I'd like to try serving as my own general contractor.

Also cut my alcohol intake.

These include reporting rental income, allocating expenses between personal and rental use, and navigating new limits on mortgage interest and property tax deductions under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.In places like Hawaii, STRs are subject to additional taxes, emphasizing the importance of understanding the local tax landscape.

Should I accept it bc cutting costs here will bite me in the end? 

You don't need it if your "selling" it into the grid, but now your cutting returns via introducing an energy broker to the mix. 

It appears mostly property prices are on downturn all the zillow listings are showing price cuts left and right.