About to get on the car barge for STJ as I write.

A monkey with a job and some money in the bank can fall out of a tree one day and decide to be in RE and write a check.

You need to have confirmation that it is OK, from your lender in writing. 

That being said the only way these low cost providers could protect themselves would be to write their programs in such a way that the benefit their work provides is so low compared to the reality of what is allowable that there isn't any chance of overstatement of depreciation, which means it would be understated and you're leaving money on the table. 

As I've told you before, I have never referred to myself as a "guru" or anything of the nature, but I suppose since you write (unreadably) more than you read, I understand your confusion.By the way, what is it about a "nobody" like me that threatens you so much?  

What are you to do if you want to write everything off but still look good towards a lender?

@Yuxi Li I don't write any of my own leases.

To get a good rental income, be sure to check who you rent to very well, write a clear rental contract, take a security deposit, make a smooth way to get rent, keep the house in good shape, think about getting landlord insurance, keep talking to your renters, and follow local rules strictly.

In fact, an agent can get you into on market properties and when you write an offer, the rest can easily be handled by a title company / real estate attorney (depending on your area) all the way to closing. 

It's crazy and clearly legislatures have no clue about the rental business but it's the law.3) Colorado now requires that a landlord cannot reject applicants for being felons if the felony is older than 5 years ago.4) Colorado now requires that landlords cannot reject applicants for being evicted if the eviction was more than 7 years ago.The most important is: Write down your criteria ahead of time and do not deviate from it.