He never answered my question and only gave me a grin look before continuing on in the lecture; therefore, BP members I want to ask you if they are "tax-deductible". 

Once I obtain my first property I will continue to find more deals on my own or with different partners.

@Joe Funari I understand that trust plays a huge role in an investor-agent relationship.

The cash on cash return is around 11%, The property has been fully rehabbed and I've had tenants in place since April, under professional property management.I'm looking to continue growing my portfolio, but I need to pull as much capital out of this property as I can.

I will also discuss discounts on future deals because We want to continue working with her.

I'm continuing to educate myself there.

If the house is not habitable (regardless of the cause), then my understanding is that the tenants do not pay rent during the time the house is not habitable.Hopefully your insurance has a Business Interruption or Rental Interruption clause that you can invoke so that the insurance company essentially pays your rent during the vacancy period.Once the house is habitable, tenants should continue their rent payments.

If you live close enough to pick the check up, I'd also strongly state that as my preference.And to play devil's advocate. 

I think I do have to give this some thought though as to whether I will purposefully continue to do so.  

Don't buy so much house/duplex that you can't have a life and continue to save money.