You can still easily find the 1% rule and positive cash flow and there's amazing appreciation potential.

If I had the business headquartered at some commercial or industrial space, I could deduct the entire cost of the space. 

Their success speaks volumes however, its a bit much for me to stomach for a potential benefit. 

Your construction skills can give you a significant advantage, allowing you to save on rehab costs or even flip properties for capital.

Many judges would feel you got paid even if no cash was sent to you.I could see this potentially working on a higher-end property that it in excellent condition with a Grade A tenant.  

I'd have to see your overall layouts but I think you are on the right track. we build 3 story stacked triplexes and it's very efficient so don't be afraid to go up either. anytime you build more than 1 structure costs are much higher but if its just to offset mortgage and you want to be separate then I understand. 

Type Line Item Fee Fixed Fee Collected Rents 10% of All Collected Rents New Tenant Search & Onboarding $600 Variable Fees Business Hour Service Calls $90/hour + Materials Cost + Tax After Hour Service Calls $120/hour + Materials Cost + Tax 3rd Party Coordination HVAC Cleaning & InspectionGutter CleaningSpring/Fall Exterior CleanupSeasonal Mowing & Weed TrimmingSeasonal Snow PlowingGeneral Contractor Negotiated Vendor Cost + 10% Oversight Fee  

I got into this by accident when i took a job via upwork as a VA  for Vontive and stated at interview  i could lower there costs and stress by automating there lead gen.I automated the lead gen and they didnt need 5 0f the 6 VAs they hired and we cut there costs by nearly 60%.Thats when i realised that you could automate even the cross platform data scraping.Then i got some extra clients from Upwork and now Im on here to help, offer the same and expand to others.going to the recorder office/courtYou only need to go to the physical building if thre is information on the documents that you need but cant view online.

The biggest factors, from what I can tell, are age and rebuild cost. 

If it's more complicated eviction.com may be your best bet to use they are pretty cost effective.