Additionally, if down the road you transition into full time real estate professional you'll be able to general rental losses against ordinary income. 

Wish I had a better response for you but you might want to reach out the file manager who is handling your permit and ask what's the reason for some of these items, sometimes the counter clerks have a check list and end up sending the applicant ( you) that list without considering what you actually need.  

Very helpful - thank you @Craig Curelop and @Chris MasonIt looks like the lenders are baking taxes and insurance into the closing costs - as "prepaid items / reserves" - which amount to around $2000.The actual "closing costs" themselves amount to $5500 for a loan with 1 point - which includes title fees, state tax, processing, underwriting, appraisal fees, etc.Sounds like it can't hurt to do a bit more shopping but I definitely feel better that these costs are more in line with what's to be expected.

The roof caved in on a mud room, home owners insurance covered the exterior and the renters insurance covered damage to items on the interior.Hope that helps,Chris Pre

The paper losses generated from the new deals have nearly wiped out my tax exposure without having to 1031.If someone is willing to pay you a price for your property that you yourself wouldn't pay it may be time to sell.All the best!

Our housing authority publishes a checklist of items that have to be in place in order to pass the inspection.

I could pay the loan off any time but like to show a good payment history on items.

You need a hard numbers as a loss though so that needs to be determined up front.Try Attorney Alan Ceshker who is local in Austin.

you are better off reducing your offer price by $3600 ($300*12 months) to account for the loss in rent.

E= Always passive income, never business related, Passive income, taxed at ordinary rates but losses can only be used against other passive income C= Short term rentals, ordinary income, taxed at ordinary rates.