Hey Michael - I'd love to give you a specific pointers if you'd like me to run an audit of your listing. 

Hint: look for a solar architect, who acts as an adviser and works for you and audits the installer project proposal.Many states/utilities are no longer allowing net metering (kWh for kWh) and use instead all kinds of payback schemes (e.g. if you over-produce, they will gladly take your kWh for 3 cents and graciously allow you to take it back at night for 22cents - end result being, if your system is not properly sized, you will be producing energy for the utility and never recover the costs of the installation).

The landlord said that its not zoned for business and that would raise flags with the IRS and i could potentially get audited. keep in mind that i have a consulting business. is there some truth to this because i do have a home office at the house as well. the rent is 1600 per month. that 1600 per month and utilities wouldn't be a tax write off to my LLC?

You will receive a report as a result of the cost segregation study that supports the breakout between asset classes and new depreciation schedule in the event that you are audited by the IRS.

@Brett Dudley - we have yet to see any court cases for what happens when an STR becomes a LTR, but the IRS looks at facts and circumstances... since you are on public record by posting here that your main concern is the tax benefit, it may not fall in your favor during if you were ever audited. 

Be sure you are working with a CPA that understands the value of leveraging the tax benefits on investment property and working with an engineering-based cost segregation company with on-site property reviews and audit defense at no cost if ever needed during your ownership.

@Sonia Kulkarni1, yes, but the IRS may look at intent under audit.

Our last step is running a forensic audit of the company (S - Corp) and then we will write up the contract to purchase.

Having Audited financials completed on time.So how would you know?

I pay the extra 80 bucks or whatever it is for audit representation if it ever happens.