You can deduct the cost of labor and parts to maintain or repair your business assets, as long as the expense doesn’t prolong the useful life of the asset or increase the value of the asset.Tangible Property Repair Expenses That Are Deductible:Replacement of LightingRoof repairsResurfaced external or interior floorsResurfaced parking lotsInterior or exterior paintingReplacement of doors and windowsRekey locks

Since you aren't looking until next year, you wont' be able to get a rate quote now, most likely not until you are under contract and they can lock that in. 

Spend LOTS of MONEY on mass marketingThe "rate locked affect" is limiting a large portion of the market and stopping transactions from happening.

I have seen too much of how bad of jobs contracts can do when left to their own devices.  

I just went through a similar experience with my first student rental and also thought I needed to lock in the first group that stepped up.

@Chase HarmonYou should have been charging the developer for locking the project up.

Who you use for your remote camera and doorpad/lock set up? 

You'll also be leaving liquidity available should a great deal come your way instead of being locked into just one project at a time.

I had my suspicions about the neighbors across the alley and this situation definitely locked it in.

Instead of actively seeking out buyers, focus on what I do here: establish credibility, showcase your knowledge and competence, and lock in high-quality deals where the numbers make sense.In this space, transparency and honesty are key.