Utilities cost $150 per month.

Is there a way to utilize the "gift" feature illustrated in the tax code? 

From the public website,The BetterLife Tribe program offers everything you need to achieve real estate success:Monthly Calls with Brandon Turner and top real estate experts, providing you with insider knowledge and strategies.1-on-1 Personalized Coaching to tailor a growth plan specific to your goals and challenges.Access to the reiOS System of Success, the exact operating system Brandon used to scale Open Door Capital to over $1B in assets.World-Class Real Estate Education and Tools that equip you with the skills to dominate any market.A Thriving Network of 1,000+ Active Investors ready to support, inspire, and challenge you on your journey.Seems like a great program like many do in the marketing materials

There is a $200 cancellation fee to cover the extensive materials and supplies we give you when you join. 

We've utilized the VA loan for our current home, and this strategy has worked well so far.

The fire prevention policies were different, more aggressive, so far less imperative reasons to sway away from a then amply supplied and I imagine price adjusted material of shake vs fire resilient material. 

I'm working my way through the material on BP and other places to learn right now.

Focus on tax-saving strategies such as cost segregation studies and bonus depreciation to accelerate deductions.By qualifying as a Real Estate Professional (spending 750+ hours annually and materially participating), you can offset your wife’s S-Corp income with real estate losses, reducing your tax liability.

No - but I'd say about 90% of my borrowers/investors utilize an LLC for what it's worth. 

What about the utilities, property taxes, maintenance and repairs, capex, etc. are any of those optional for you?