It's a domino effect.   

It's crucial to consult with a tax professional who understands the nuances of your situation to determine the most appropriate and cost-effective method for your tax filings.

They can offer tailored strategies to help manage your rentals and carpentry business effectively.

Perhaps it is hard for people from the states to understand - but the rule of law, and clarity in regulations etc really makes it so much more attractive than other places where you never know what new policies might come into effect forcing you to take massive loses etc.

A colleague of mine has bought two properties owner-occupied back to back in Arlington (with a 5% rate and a 7% rate) doing basement conversions and renting rooms, lowering his effective monthly payment on each property to sub 2K each time.

I'm going to take your comments about the communication to heart. 

Really about growing a strong portfolio of solid deals.Now that being said, if you are a high income earner, well qualified, and can't find reasonably good deals: (i) you can connect with a well connected real estate agent for off-market deals; (ii) you might do a very narrow cost-effective cold call or letter writing.

You will often see this with their scheduling, communication, and even finances (asking to be paid ahead of schedule).

Are there any cost-effective ways to handle this situation legally?

Surprisingly most zoning in the US didn't come into effect until the 1950's and most lots in developed areas were created before this.