Not sure about the sec199a bonus depreciation... 

It's an offer, I think a generous one.   

Integrity goes a long way.You can also give a very generous closing gift, offer additional information/services post-closing, and/or offer a rebate for a portion of your commission at/near closing time. 

I have since needed to hire a new CPA and he is saying that I cannot use the remaining 5 & 7 year buckets as 100% bonus depreciation and that they can only be used as accelerated depreciation which helps a little but I tax planned and strategized based on being able to use100% bonus.

Bonus if you buy solo, it will now be recognized and we can use our seller concessions to buy down our rate or whatnot. 

With this option, we're wondering if it's better to offer it as a 3 bed 1.5 bath with 2 bonus rooms (which we live out of), or rework one of the rooms into an actual bedroom to make it a 4 bed.With either option, we're also wondering if it's best to have the cashflow of our current house to offset any unexpected expenses, or if we should pay extra and try to pay off our current house as soon as possible.

Cleveland is an excellent market to get started, and you definitely want to establish your 'boots on the ground' here before diving in - an experienced property management company is a great place to start (Bonus if they have a sales team attached - making it a one-stop-shop!).

Some people see it as a way to get into a multifamily house at a lower downpayment and interest rate, while still providing themselves a place to live.I think the only way it would be "wrong" is if it puts you in a situation you can't afford or makes you "house poor".My husband and I rent out 4 of the bedrooms in our house plus a bonus room, meaning we have 6 roommates, but our entire mortgage is covered.

I've been so generous with them so in the end hire a property manager and be very firm with them, lessons learned.

Each State is different.Some states require you to track the passive losses at the state level.There may be a state equivalent of the form 8582 or there may be a completely different state form.Also be mindful that some states do not recognize bonus depreciation so there may be some federal / state differences for rental income.