Take into account RE taxes, Mortgage interest, charitable donations, large medical expenses, ect...compare it against 2017's total.If you took a look against the rental but used the proceeds for personal use- IE to pay off your personal residence the interest would not be deductible as a business expense. 

For me, prior to going after leads, I build my cash buyers list.

Real estate can make it go faster if you do it right but it should still take 10-15 years as compared to the normal 30-40

If so, ask them what their return expectations would be prior to presenting a deal.

If that really is a requirement of this settlement service provider, get the lender on the horn and give them a heads up that the funds are going to be deposited in your sons account prior to being sent over, and ask what they need.

It's really just looking at the comparable homes in the area that are updated in a style similar to your proposed renovations.

I always recommend my clients get fee sheets from a few different lenders to compare.

With my prior experience in both traditional commercial lending, government programs, and tax incentive programs (TIF financing, LIHTC financing, and NMTC financing) I hope to be able to add value to other members while also structuring several deals and manage assets.  

You can flip anywhere that you can market to motivated sellers, and purchase properties at a discount compared to ARV.

We did have one in prior years and are in process of finding a new one.