We keep track of property expenses - all maintenance expenses, improvements, and business expenses, as allowed in the tax code (like a subscription to Wall Street Journal and lunch with other investors). 

Even if they play hard ball, from your numbers above, you'd make about a 30% return on the improvements- that's not bad when coupled with good cash flow. 

Use that as a template and improve as needed:)https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

It can only be deducted if used on the same subject property for capital improvements, which you say you don't plan. 

I can sum up my experience by saying, you get what you put in.Coaches help you devise action plans, improve on your weaknesses and establish accountability measures.

I own rentals, own a PM co with more then  500 doors, have more then 30 contractors, admins staff of 8 , so really not sure what more I can do not sure I want to LOL. 

When you sell, you subtract your basis in the property (the original cost and any improvements), and the remaining amount is a capital gain.

Use every opportunity you have to make sure you have a solid contractor and then build up a relationship.Today, we have hundreds of homes and while both I and other staff build relationships with contractors we obviously don't meet them onsite at jobs very often. 

Since I-77 was improved two years ago, the commute to Charlotte is easy and convenient. 

I can then buy 2-3 rentals, in that same market - maybe spend $100k on 2 rentals, $1200 NOI and have $80k cash for home improvements, or spend it all on investment properties.I've got about $80k in student loans and I'm not required to be making payments until April 2023.