I’m also in the early stages of exploring real estate investment, and it’s been helpful to see how others incorporate different tax strategies and asset protection methods.

Obviously the numbers and location would determine which is the best option for me but these would be my preferred methods. 

Depending on how the water is getting in, there may be cheaper methods for sealing the basement walls from inside.Keep shopping until you find someone trustworthy with solutions.I would also consider going after the first contractor because they robbed you.

This depends on if you are using the Cash or Accrual method of accounting for tax purposes.

My cleaners take a video after every turn, my team goes in to check everything is good after cleaning and record salt and PH level logs and I have a licensed plumber who is in charge of maintaining plumbing, water heater, and boiler system with logs.

He uses poorly thought through methods, I've listened to his "methods",  Thus, he has the high amount of  Due On Sale called in a short period of time. 

It is important to find something that was properly maintained, with modern plumbing, electrical and roofing. 

@Chris Morris have ALWAYS seen bad "deals" from rookie wholesalers that really don't understand what they are doing to provide value to the industry.It's getting worse because the real estate market has recovered from the 2010 Crash, yet many are still using tactics & methods developed during this time.Everyone in the industry needs to go back and look at what was being done BEFORE 2010 and start using those methods, updating them with current technology.

Good points.I'd add square, level, plumb - license, insurance, bond - using permits to follow codepointing out problems the owner doesn't realize they have that are serious. 

We've also advised this method to our investor clients that borrow from us.