Katherine,You were right, the DoL was very helpful.I spoke with an auditor about having a real estate firm and a physical office or records depository.

Like a lot of IRS policies, it is not cut in stone either as to who's actually in business and who is not, they have a list of criteria to look at and from there, it is really up to the auditor in charge of your audit (if you're unlucky enough to get one!)

I am currently a CPA (auditor) in the Los Angeles area.I've been listening to a lot of the podcasts.

Having a rehab business with a resale license will invite auditors from local jurisdictions as well.  

I don't consider accounting my profession, I'm more of a finance and compliance type, auditor/examiner that requires an accounting education, tax folks are out own their own, I have no dog in that show. :) 

Hi,I am looking to get more active in real estate - goal is to get to $25,000 to $35,000 in additional rental earnings per year in the next two years to allow me to quit my day job.I live in the Washington, DC area and work as an internal auditor. 

I looked on my county auditors site and sent personalized letters to every owner that had a property that I was interested in.

Sucks that my wages are below market value fir an experienced auditor, but a good benefit package helps.

I was constantly bombarded with people left and right trying to rent my last two places, and honestly after sifting through less than 10 applicants I've been able to place two families with zero issues (knock on wood) so far.Using the City Auditor tool it seems the owner has many more properties throughout and is liquidating everything. 

You can search the county auditor site and get an idea of whether or not the addition is permitted.