Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

You should consult a tax professional for an answer based on your unique situation, this is not tax advise just general information.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Short term is always tough but not impossible at all especially with the high level of education and good hospitals in MA.

One key takeaway for future projects is the value of hiring professional painters.

I have no investment experience, only stock market and IRA’s, but I hope to learn a lot from professionals on this forum.

Readers should seek professional advice.

Your best bet is to ask for referrals from professionals in the space: realtors, other investors, this forum, FB groups, etc.

The first is that there's no consensus between tax professionals, and the second is that you will not like my personal interpretation.My interpretation is:Until the property is "placed in service" - everything goes into basis.Illustration.You buy a property July 1st.You finish rehab November 1st and put the property on the market.Your tenant moves in January 15th.The property was placed in service November 1st, and it does not matter that the tenant did not move in until the next year.Everything paid between July 1st and November 1st, including interest and utilities, goes into basis.

Most professionals will recommend a separate LLC for every $1 million in assets but I don't think that's necessary.