And if we reach such a dire circumstance where this is no longer the case, I think we will all have bigger problems.But hey!

Or, if possible, move into a different property, hold onto this property for another 2 years or so, (your circumstances have now changed) and you'd like to sell your investment property, 1031 all proceeds into a "like-kind" property and benefit from the 1031 tax deferral. 

At 26, having 4 properties and looking for more is quite the story.KeyBank man should be ashamed of himself.I'd disagree with some of the assumptions in this thread.Rate locks don't need to be for more than 30 days.  45 days can cost you a quarter point depending on the lender and it's really not necessary.Always remember that origination points and discount points are two distinctly different things.For us, some origination fees can be just 2 points and some are just 3 points.

If you brought your spouse and 2 kids with you, and you could argue all of your argue of your time on the trip was looking at real estate, and your personal business and activity circumstance defends being able to immediately deduct it and not treat it as a start up cost... likely 75% of much of the travel costs (airfare, food, etc) would be non-deductible. 

My next question is a simple one: through circumstance, we will almost certainly have real estate holdings in two states (Georgia and likely Pennsylvania).

Figuring out this distinction has been light and enjoyable.Insightful Tax & Advisory

I have seen some sellers wait two years to close on a property those are definitely rare circumstances.

One distinction that has not been brought up, a legitimate service animal is there to provide some vital service for it's handler therefore is never left home alone while everyone goes out shopping, dinner or sight seeing.  

What you are describing is a fully thought out partnership or pre-arranged circumstance.

This could bring real estate dealer status into the equation under some circumstances.