The issue with section 179 expense is that you normally have to operate at positive income.Under most circumstances, bonus depreciation is better since you can take bonus depreciation even if you operate at negative income. 

Pay for your own painting and make them pay normal rent.

Baselane seams to be more normal for transfer/deposit limits and you can create multiple virtual accounts for each property.

Hi Kenyatta,I am active in New Orleans and Baton Rouge and have rentals in both.

There's a few good meetups here that I'm very active in.

Material participation in the rental activities still required. 

Is anyone still active in the Houston Area?

Are you actively investing or have an active portfolio?

Is the below fee schedule normal?

Visit with people there and you'll get a more detailed look at things from people actively working in the areas.