But if you work in tech and want an alternative to SF, and don't mind the fact that you're merely buying 5-10 years before it's just like that here...

Merely placing a sign does not make a difference.No more than a fake ID makes your eligible to drink while still in high school.

If you are evaluating a duplex yourself, the ROI metrics are merely for your own edification...nothing wrong with that.

When something is done immediately before an exchange, the IRS could argue that the two transactions should be considered as one - i.e. merely a two-step process. 

However, It's worth noting that mere joint ownership of real estate and rent collections does not necessarily rise to the level of joint business activity that constitutes a partnership.

A TK provider, however, ought to have their reputation to consider and be more concerned with passing on a solid management relationship, good tenants, etc. not merely a good building. 

The ROI is a mere 3% and the cash return is too low for current rents.

And look what happened in merely 15 hours! 

This adds fuel to my theory that he merely did this for retaliation.I told the neighbor that the tree looks the same as it did when the house was built a few years ago, what makes him think that it's a danger?

That's a very important subject, because if the rentals are "merely an investment activity" and "not a trade or business", then the Pass-Thru Deduction does not apply to them.For those of you who are not familiar with this deduction – you really should be.