In our first few months as STR owners/managers, we've found that people REALLY like what we're doing with our log cabin and they are highly satisfied and giving five star reviews online. 

@Ryan ThomasRetain receipts, maintain a log (who, what, when, where).Doing the above doesn't necessarily mean the trip is 100% business, but will help substantiate the parts that were business.Also, it's very possible some of these expenses will have to be capitalized and won't be able to be "written off".

Maintain a travel log. 

Chimney rotation is typically associated with poor bearing characteristics of the soil or improperly installed or failed footings Gas Log fireplace needs repaired The primary condensate drain line for the air handler was separated in two areas in the crawlspace and shouldbe repaired so that the condensate will exit the crawlspace as intended.

I am in my third full month of STR renting and we just paid our first official mortgage payment on March 1 on our log cabin in central Texas (La Grange). 

However,  Is the CPA or other similar firm really going to log in to your bank, and view check deposit images, track the merchant window in QB, track the tracking numbers?

If its not log term, you may want to reconsider if its worth to buy......Once you are not hands on, all hell can break loose

-How log after the rehab and appraisal are complete, will I be able to refinance?  

I log the books read etc. with an excel file and keep count.Most brokerages figure new agents will make a few sales the first year before going out.

Also do a search for you property without being logged in and see what your search position is.