You must become that professional.

If the latter, how would you approach an increase like that to someone you know on more than just a professional level?

I dont know your intention, so talk to professional. 

, you can reduce your risk of getting a "professional tenant" who knows how to abuse the system. 

It is ordinary and necessary for real estate investors to notice wear and tear from year to year and claim "depreciation" on their properties.The rule that your accountant is referencing to is the "real estate professional status" which allows you net losses from your rental activities with your other income if your adjusted gross income is above $150,000.

Another factor that comes into play is that I represent the target market that I intend to serve (traveling business professionals).

Looking to network with real estate professionals in my area including but not limited to real estate agents, wholesalers, private lenders, tax professionals, and contractors.

Professional management is an option.How worried should I be?

I tended to assume that most people wouldn’t reply so negatively and would be respectful in their answers as well (feel free to see the rest of the professional, helpful replies on this thread, for reference). 5.

., combined pool for downpayment, rehab, professional services, etc.).On that note, I'd assumed I would use leverage and have estimated 25% down, but I'm open to interesting cash plays.I 100% insist on using property management, and all of my planning includes that cost.Ideally I'd like to hit ~8+% cash-on-cash return after all is said and done (taxes, payments, repairs, insurance, PM fees, capex, professional services, estimated cost of vacancy and turnover, etc.).