This way the IRS can't challenge your valuation by asserting the other party has treated the transaction inconsistently with your treatment.

We have had FOUR pest control treatments and it appears we are near the end of the infestation and after a FIFTH treatment and inspection on November 3rd, we may be able to move into the dining room and kitchen like normal people. 

This section prescribes rules for tracing debt proceeds to specific expenditures.Treas Reg §1.163-8T(a)(4)Treatment of interest expense(i)General ruleExcept as otherwise provided in paragraph (m) of this section (relating to limitations on interest expense other than the passive loss and nonbusiness interest limitations), interest expense allocated under the rules of this section is treated in the following manner:(A) Interest expense allocated to a trade or business expenditure (as defined in paragraph (b)(7) of this section) is taken into account under section 163(h)(2)(A);(B) Interest expense allocated to a passive activity expenditure (as defined in paragraph (b)(4) of this section) or a former passive activity expenditure (as defined in paragraph (b)(2) of this section) is taken into account for purposes of section 469 in determining the income or loss from the activity to which such expenditure relates;(C) Interest expense allocated to an investment expenditure (as defined in paragraph (b)(3) of this section) is treated for purposes of section 163(d) as investment interest;(D) Interest expense allocated to a personal expenditure (as defined in paragraph (b)(5) of this section) is treated for purposes of section 163(h) as personal interest; and(E) Interest expense allocated to a portfolio expenditure (as defined in paragraph (b)(6) of this section) is treated for purposes of section 469(e)(2)(B)(ii) as interest expense described in section 469(e)(1)(A)(i)(III).Treas Reg §1.163-8T(c)(4)Allocation of debt; proceeds deposited in borrower's account(i)Treatment of depositFor purposes of this section, a deposit of debt proceeds in an account is treated as an investment expenditure, and amounts held in an account (whether or not interest bearing) are treated as property held for investment.

As a buyer, I'd almost always prefer the "touch up" or "just replace the plumbing with pex" treatment, especially if it's a pre-war home.My renters (single guys) care way more about things like the height of the shower head and how loud the ceiling fan is than what anything looks like.

No, hiring a lawyer doesn't get you any special treatment by the court or clerks or law enforcement (and if it does, that's several violations of law).

Total costs about 150 bucks in supplies with plenty left over for future treatments.

There are programs for helping first time buyers buy a home, and if you live there for two years, you'll get preferential tax treatment when you sell it.

Lending is a little more passive, but you do miss out on some of the benefits of owning real estate (i.e. appreciation, favorable tax treatment, etc) as you pointed out. 

So, not eligible for any special treatment.

When you’re just a single SFR investor with their PM firm, it’s unrealistic to expect the treatment for someone with a large portfolio with them…sadly.