.- Understand passive activity loss rules limiting deduction of losses from passive activities.Capital Gains Taxes- Be aware of tax implications when selling property, considering short-term and long-term rates.- Explore strategies like 1031 exchanges to defer capital gains taxes.Deductions and Expenses- Know eligible deductions: mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and management fees.- Maintain detailed records of all real estate-related expenses.- Use cost segregation studies to expedite depreciation of your properties to offset large income gains.Entity Structure- Choose appropriate legal structure (LLC, partnership, or S corporation) with consideration for different tax implications.Tax Credits- Explore available credits, like energy-efficient or historic rehabilitation credits.Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction- Check eligibility for QBI deduction, providing up to a 20% deduction on qualified business income.Record Keeping- Keep accurate and organized records for tax compliance and audits.State and Local Taxes- Consider varying state and local tax implications, including property and income tax rates.Tax Planning- Engage in proactive tax planning, consulting with professionals for a comprehensive strategy.Tax Changes- Stay informed about changes in federal, state, and local tax laws affecting real estate investments.Remember to consult a real estate tax professional for personalized advice based on your specific situation.

@Joseph Fenner first, understand you will need to decide and UNDERSTAND the different Property Classes!

I've had owners try to steal tenants right after we placed them so I understand their apprehension. 

I understand.

Now that if I do end up hiring a CPA, I'll have a better understanding of what's going on.

If you look at those websites you can get an understanding of the process and costs involved. 

Be sure you understand the tax benefits and the errors that are often made that limit those tax benefits or come back to bite.

For the lenders that do a 0 with decent credit you will need to put down 15% - 20% on a bridge loan and that's with 720+ credit.More than that though, you need to understand the capital requirements. 

You should also look into getting your own bid.This will take some work on your part or you MUST understand that you will pay someone for saving you time.

I 100% understand that state, county within state, building type, age, depth of coverage, etc., etc., etc. is going to make every property unique, but it would be great to come up with a rough rule of thumb that will allow a conservative estimate.