I feel we wouldn't maximize value if we rented it out because of the risk that renters wouldn't take care of it like we have. 

. - out all of my rehab costs and other things, and that's my maximal offer

The other day I went to look at a house (which was a total loser albeit), but had a great time just walking through and seeing all the ways it could be fixed and reorganized to maximize dollars.

It doesn't' make sense to maximize your 401k contributions to get the tax deduction and then turn around and borrow money FROM yourself.

I believe the basis to be higher and want to make sure I am getting the maximal depreciation.  

Just wanted to reach out to the community for some feedback on how to maximize a modest monthly budget to get that all-important first deal done. 

General maxim is to never hold real estate in a S-Corp or C-Corp.

My goal is to use my IT Staffing cold calling skills to try and understand why they aren't adding value to maximize rent. 

I agree that if you own your own brokerage it adds to cost and some liability, but you could then  maximize the efforts of others and generate another revenue stream.

It needs to cash flow properly to pay someone else to run it for you.Lastly, you could do all 3-4 things you have listed to maximize your learning curve.