As for the original post, I think something like this works best if it is concrete: dates (say the last week of July and December), monetary consideration (I would suggest a separate sublet provision wherein you pay them for use, rather than working out rent credits), insurance and liability requirements, etc.

It also tracks who is in what house and all other resident info I might need, and is absolutely vital to our operation.Each of our houses has a live-in manager who, for free rent, ensures all residents are following a strict set of rules and guidelines that is enforced quantitatively with a points system to ensure objectivity and uniformity between managers and houses.  

@Pretty Khare As Ruben and John mentioned above, you can utilize a cost segregation study on your STR property to reduce taxable income (or create a taxable loss) to offset against your W2 income, but you need to ensure you are following the IRS guidelines very carefully.

Is it worth the money to level the concrete in the basement of a future rental?

We're looking to renovate something before the end of the year to accomplish 2 things: 1) Improve home value so we can get appraisal, refinance and leverage that to buy a new property. 2) Take advantage of the tax credits that are out there in 2024 before the new year or is it better to wait until 2025 and just hold onto the cash I have at hand.Here is a list of renovations that will need to be done eventually:*Brand new basement kitchen (cabinets + add seating area - we already have brand new dishwasher, fridge, gas oven)*New standing shower in the basement bathroom*New Siding*AC/Furnace for unit 1 are close to end of life but still functioning*New Fence/landscaping*New Windows for the basement*New Garage (unstable, concrete shifting, very old)*Solar Panels on the roof (There is a $0 down payment lease option w/ sunrun, but I'm hesitant to move forward)*Renovate master bedroom closet for tenants (it is old & has built in entertainment center that is very dated)*Repair Catch basin*Adding better drainage system for back door.Greatly appreciate any help, insight or advice!

To make things more concrete, it helps to get specific.

I had the same realization as Michael when considering section 1245 assets in a 1031 exchange, and I really have been looking for a concrete answer ever since. 

But be sure to consult with the city for their local guidelines. 

WA DOR says the sales tax should be collected on the contracted amount and doesn’t have any guidelines as to what that needs to be.

Always consult a tax professional to ensure you meet all the IRS guidelines and documentation requirements.