.- Once it looks like you are going to clear $50k for the year - after everything is deducted!

Any fees collected by the property manager should be a separate charge and not deducted from rent.

Yes, it is your debt to pay, the title co. just didn't catch it, and deduct it from your proceeds.

But, your refinance is not always tax deductible. 

You do not need the property to be in an LLC or business entity to be able to take deductions, write offs, etc.

As a non-resident, you’ll only be taxed on U.S. income sources, like rental income, which you’ll report with allowable deductions.

STRs give you more tax benefits upfront, but it’s wise to choose a property that could perform as an LTR just in case for stability.Using HELOC for Down Payment:The interest on a HELOC used for investment can potentially be tax-deductible, so using it to supplement your down payment could work in your favor.

When evaluating long-term real estate opportunities, keep in mind the four key pillars of investing:Appreciation – Focus on how your property’s value grows over time.Cash Flow – Assess your rental income after accounting for all expenses.Tax Benefits – Leverage deductions like depreciation to reduce your tax burden.Debt Pay Down – Use rental income to pay down your mortgage, steadily building equity.Think of it like investing in a 401(k) with a long-term perspective—especially in California, where property values can appreciate significantly over time.

This needs to be highlighted in the lease and acknowledged by them.Security Deposits: You can’t use their security deposit for routine cleaning, but if they leave things in bad shape beyond normal wear and tear, it’s fair game to deduct cleaning costs.I’d start by having a straightforward talk with them about the importance of keeping things clean for health reasons and property preservation.

And 0% deduction on expenses related to the live in unit.