Remember; pigs get fat and hog's get slaughtered. 

Would cell phone bills, internet service, utilities etc be things I can deduct?

Their entire business model is to charge premiums and play hard to ever pay out on the fat tails.

Don't hire contractors, who show up in a pressed shirt, can speak both Spanish and English and do zero work but pocket a fat margin.  

Give me the address and I can see the roof in real time, and for $20 can hire someone to knock on the door with their cell on video. 

Lighter, smokes, cell phone, lawn chair - a regular rec room, with the other tenants property as their table.

Or, since you are out of state, a wireless cell service router such as Verizon, and a camera, and monitor from where you are.

See Cell D163Those who are more advanced go for "off market" and put 10% down with an interest rate of 3% for a payment of $1,465. 

RoachSenior Vice PresidentCommercial Loan OfficerSea Island BankCommunity Banking2 East Main Street, Statesboro GA 30458(912) 489-9298(912) 536-1010 (Cell)I know I mentioned some things you didn't ask for.

The mom & pop shop we bought gave out their cell phones and were available 24/7/365.