An understanding of local rental rates may be gained via websites such as Craigslist, Rentometer, and Zillow.

You can help yourself by understanding how to build a credibility package that shows experience. etc. 

Consider how that might effect the future sale of a property.The real estate agent or broker who is helping you buy a multi-family property should understand the pros and cons and help guide you through the process of where your money is best spent regarding washers/dryers.

Quote from @Kevin Barry:  Not exactly sure how this would work to make sure we are taking advantage of the loss reported for our own personal taxes.Good news:Your understanding of the process is correct.

I agree I need to start analyzing deals to get a better understanding.

However, similar to understanding the property market, I require assistance when it comes to discovering unfamiliar places.If you are good at investing and also at traveling, please share what you know.

I understand comps, but I'm not sure about repair estimation.

@Ana Vhan While I understand your frustration at this situation, I would encourage you to just write the $400 off and take this as a lesson learned. 

Thoughts please.Hey Eric,First, I would start by making sure you understand how to evaluate/analyze buy-and-hold deals.  

When I finally got my return back, they had me owing bout $25k...but since I know and watch my numbers, I knew that it wasn't correct and I was even able to look at the return, with my elementary level understanding of their field, and find errors.