Most firms will prepare a complimentary estimate (feasibility analysis), for you to see the numbers, of how much it would cost, and how much benefit you could expect.

"No check issued".) 2: Would it behoove me to achieve my write offs this year (the year I need them) and quitclaim the deed from my LLC. to myself, converting it into a primary residence down the road (adjusting my basis with the improvements and repairs) and only allowing potential litigation to attack my free and clear title for this short period of renovations vs. the life of our occupancy at the property? 

No benefit to me as I have others around me that do have it.  

If you were you make $200/month in net cash flow, this is $2400/yr cash return on your $30k of equity, which is an 8% return (2.4k/30k), plus any tax benefits, appreciation, & principal paydown on the loan.

(Unit will rent for $800 post move out)$629.09 (adjusted to PM :) ) cashflow with bridge loan (before money is pulled out)$1209.09 (adjusted to PM)  cashflow after bridge loan is payed off!

I hired a private adjuster as the initial claim came very low.

Another benefit of student renters is that they'll oftentimes encourage younger friends to rent their place once they move out/graduate, which is really convenient when it comes time to get it leased.Good luck on your investing journey!

The adjusted basis is equal to original cost + improvements - Depreciation taken on your return.You can look at your prior year tax returns to see how much basis was taken.See Schedule E - Line 18 - Depreciation Expense or Depletion>You may be able to exclude all/portion of the sale of the house if you lived in the house for 2 out of the last 5 years.I had to spend a few months fixing up the house before I sold it.

That way you get the same service done for likely the same low price (much less than a Realtor commission would be), with the additional benefit that everything is easy on the escrow company.

There is no benefit to having a LLC as a beginning investor and the likelihood is that if you do not grow too large you will never need to go that route at all.