Repairs made while the property is your primary residence are not deductible, but improvements can increase your cost basis, reducing future capital gains tax when you sell.

Yes, the intention is to build a primary residence for my family to move into. 

I have just started in a 3-day training for the Lee Arnold broker certification program and thus far just completed the online material required for preparation. 

Thanks to everything I’ve learned from the podcasts, books, and this community, my wife and I currently own:A triplex in MaineA single-family rental in San AntonioA single-family primary residence in Las Cruces, NM, which will become a rental when we move in a few monthsFor context, I'm an active-duty Army officer with about 12 years left until retirement, and my wife works for a university in Boston.

I buy homes as a primary residence with 5% down and move into them keeping my previous as a rental and the area that I live doesn't have new builds that would work for us, otherwise I would buy a new build. 

Look at their rental history, the conditions of their previous residence, and ensure they have a good track record with past landlords.

And a local resident is usually very helpful.

Normal mortgage rates are in the high 6's now, for a personal residence, and higher for an investment property. 

I have a 780 credit score and no debt besides my personal residence.

Let me know if you have questions.Rates: 10% to 14% (Most Deals are 12%)Terms: 1 Day - 24 Months (Most Deals are 6 months)Fees: 3-5 points(%) of loan amount (Most Deals are 3 points(%)) - $2500 minimum fee Minimum Loan Amount: $75,000 Max Loan: 65-70% of After Repair Value(ARV) 100% Rehab Financing Available (Most Deals require 10-20% of purchase price down or cross-collateral)Closing Timeframe: 48 Hours - 3 Weeks (Most Deals are 7-10 business days)NO PRIMARY RESIDENCES, NON-OWNER OCCUPIED ONLY, BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL USE ONLY.