A more accurate way to describe it is "I received no income" - because you can have deals but still have no profit if your expenses are greater than your income.If you were actively looking for deals (and can document it) - as opposed to merely planning to start later - then you file Schedule C and claim business expanses such as marketing, driving, technology and so on. 

As far as investing out of state goes, I would pick something you can drive to in 4 hrs or less.

The array is located on Burton Drive.

Find something in state or the next state over that is in driving distance. 

It drives me crazy but it does force me to 'prove it' before we spend money.

There's no massive oversupply in the Tri Cities and nothing in Sville/PF/Gburg is going to affect it as it's an hour plus drive away.

It varies, but when retainage exists that will drive up the cash to continue to advance the project because borrower won't be receiving draw releases equal to their outlay. 

If you could get some interest by someone that does that, it might help you drive the price up and/or get a quicker sale too.Those are some suggestions for getting value or maybe a quicker sale. 

Drive for dollars in all of the multifamily areas, especially closest to you.

If you don't learn to manage your investment well, you will eventually destroy your property, lose money, waste your time, or drive yourself insane.