Recently, another tenant reported it to the City, and I received a code enforcement letter requiring a permit for the HVAC.

Building codes change every year.

., before December 30If the earliest possible date investor was actively carrying on a trade or business was December 30, 2004, then any expenses incurred in that year but incurred “before the day on which the active trade or business” began, all the expenses incurred from January 1 through December 29, 2004--would be, by definition, start-up expenses whose deductibility, and possible amortization, is expressly dealt with by section 195 (Start up amortization).Court case for reference: Code Sec(s): 162; 195Docket: Dkt No. 30077-07.Date Issued: 04/30/2009Judge: Opinion by Gustafson, J.Tax Year(s): Year 2004.Disposition: Decision for Commissioner.

-I omit bad areas by omitting zip codes in these areas.Just make the decision to call them today.

As a first-time investor, you might find it easier to start with properties built after 1975, as building codes improved significantly around this time, particularly regarding wiring and plumbing, which can reduce the number of surprises and costly repairs.

I am getting really into code, building systems, job cost, etc.

As for the insurance situation, @Jaysen Medhurst is correct, that your insurance company will be concerned that you're using the property in a way that it wasn't technically intended, even if it's property setup for a three unit per building codes.

(Source: Journal of Accountancy, IRS Publication 925, Section 469 of the Internal Revenue Code)

@Scott Mac you've got to know where to invest in Detroit to avoid getting taken advantage of or just plain making a big mistake.Detroit investing is block-by-block, which is difficult for OOS investors to do.Zip codes are statistically too big.That's why we've spent considerable resources ranking Detroit's 183 Neighborhoods. 

I need help with etiquette and what to do Agree, check your state's Landlord Tenant code.