As of the last 4 years we have developed a performance metric based probationary employment which allows applicants to demonstrate their skills.

Based on the condition of the carpet when he moved in, I can fairly claim the carpet still had at least five years life expectancy remaining and I could easily demonstrate the damage caused by the tenant.

The key is that it must be a demonstrable change of intent. 

However, your bar to demonstrate your intent might be higher given the way you treat other properties.And there is no statutory holding period only what you can use to demonstrate your intent to hold. 

Ultimately, it will be important to keep detailed records of the time you spend on various tasks and activities in order to accurately demonstrate that you are spending at least 51% of your time on real estate activities. 

But you need to be able to demonstrate that your intent in purchasing the replacement property was to hold for productive use. 

It would be difficult (but not impossible) to demonstrate that I'm working 81 hours each week. 

In the case of your six unit, to realize the maximum sales price possible, you will need to renovate, fill and demonstrate "stabilized" operation the building (usually for 2-years).    

I remember reading the article the instructor said to have the bank funds just in case to show and demonstrate the promise can be honored.  

The responses here demonstrate this.