Totally made up number example: you make 100k ordinary income at your job.

I am practicing running comps and some of the properties I am looking at have patios and stoops.

The only rental claim I had a tenant submit for renters insurance was denied (condo flooded due to an exterior patio drain backing up) and they felt that damaged was not their liability. 

You pay ordinary income tax/self employment tax on it.

I'm sorry to hear that no agents responded to you here in Colorado, that seems a bit out of the ordinary.

Hi Eva, I am in San Jose, but I probably spend half of my time helping clients in the Oakland area, as well as I was born and raised in the East Bay.If you go to meetup.com you can look up the events that are already in your area.Here are a couple:THE BARSTOOL INVESTORThe David Greene Team NorCal - Real Estate Networking Event, Wednesday, March 15 · 6–8 PM - Calicraft Brewing | Outdoor Patio Tables 2700 Mitchell Dr, Walnut Creek, CA 94598Hope this helps. 

The IRS allows expenses that are ordinary and necessary to be deducted.

It is taxed at rates higher than long-term capital gains rates, at the ordinary income rates, albeit capped at 25%.

The home has a full basement with a bathroom ,back patio garage  4 bedrooms 3 bath 1700 sq ft.

If I take the commission out now, I need to pay at ordinary tax rate plus SS.