@Michael Plaks, information on the link you sent was very helpful but as you said, I can't get a clear picture what I need to do on my tax.

@Dan Stelmach, glad it was helpful. 

Normally the tenants understand.If you're having consistent issues with a tenant abusing the HVAC only (if they are abusing other items then it may be helpful to find a new tenant), I know some HVAC companies offer an annual plan with a certain number of visits per year at a flat fee.

BP has various tools to help you analyze your deals (rentals, flips, wholesale, etc). : https://www.biggerpockets.com/investment-calculators7.

I'm in the union on long island so I have a decent W2 job to help get started, I think a house hack would be my best bet starting out but, what do you guys think?

Hope this helps!

Hey Chandra, applying part of the rent toward the purchase price motivates buyers by helping them build equity.

Electric, gas - Where I am at you can link multiple properties to one account this helps if you aren't doing that.

You may want to check out soe of the legal self help books by NOLO Press.

Then 4) I would get laser focused on 1 or 2 good markets with a realtor that is also experienced with flipping and can help you find good deals.