How does federal tax exemptions or reductin for hurricane damages work? Texas had some hurricanes and I have properties (Market value $300K, Roof damages $25K). What is the strategy to maximize the tax reduction. Pape...

This scheme had been attempted, and it was shot down in court.

I am primarily concerned it is a matter of inhabitability if no usable shower is available for 3 days and that could hold up in court if they chose to go that far to get full days rent off.

I will be taking out a mortgage, but I won’t be putting 20% down and declaring it an income property, however, it will still be my primary residence.

They will get the claim dismissed or settle it outside of court for significantly less than the tenant is claiming.

If you do go to court for eviction, the mediator/judge will want to see a record of non-payment notices to demonstrate the tenant is not having a one-time hardship.

May have been an actual choice, or simply unaware that you should have, either way a court case on this would go nowhere.Use it as a learning experience for the next time around.

It also usually requires opening a special bank account and depositing the rent and/or getting court approval.No rent = eviction notice. 

Is it possible for me to declare it as a repair and deduct the expense in the same year?

After some litigation the court rule the SOL had run on the prior mtg and my insured's lien was as insured.