For example if I paid over 20k in property taxes and over 20k in income tax...I can only deduct up to 10k due to reduced SALT deduction even if I paid 40+k in combined taxes.I don't think the property tax, state and local tax will be applied towards the standard deduction for 2018 and forward unless they change it again.

If you're planning to use money for down payment on more rentals, HELOC might be better.You use money when you're buying properties, Tenants payment pay down the debt and you can use it again.With the loan, you'll take all the money at once and despite of not using them, they all incurred the interest.Besides, it doesn't make sense to pay them down because you can't take money back until you refinance.HELOCis the best tool to get as much money as you want and when you need them.Interest will be tax deductible if you keep track that you spent it on the investment properties.

. - don't confuse it with tax saving - the CSS allows you to accelerate depreciation (you get more of it sooner, and less of it later) so you have to factor that in in your tax strategy- it's good to have CSS done when you replace an item (you'll be able to claim loss deductions)- there is also an inheritance benefit - your heirs will benefit from a CSS in place.Maybe @Wes Mabry can offer more advice.

The only "gotcha" here is that the original $214,900 is deducted from your overall $400,000 or something that the VA grants us veterans. 

However, he has never paid principal, interest, or taken a deduction on the property (he lent his name and credit so I could purchase the property when I was younger).

Oh, but don't forget to deduct tax on that).I reckon there are just too many uncertain variables to risk paying (at least) $89k on a home that sold comps say should be worth $99k (if rehabbed to market satisfaction).Looks to me like the "seller" is a wholesaler, looking for a flipper-wannabe to whom $10k seems magical... 

However I hate taxes, you get $250k or $500k fed deduction—I’m  not sure how that works in California but to add another 13.3% tax keeps me out of Ca.

After sending the security deposit with deductions for: holes in walls for TV mont, paint cost for kid writing on the wall, damage door knobs and damage to the flat kitchen drawer the tenant wants his full security deposit back stating because he was living there before I brought property and because the damage were already there.

Never ever deduct damage expense's from a tenants deposit.

Interest is deductible and hopefully the HELOC money is a temp solution with a cash out refi on the new property being a long term solution.