He kept avoiding our requests and said we should claim it in our 2023 taxes instead… The last straw for us was when he tried to charge us another $7.5k to file our taxes which obviously ended our relationship instantly.

Not to mention instant equity and possibly setting you up well for the BRRR strategy after seasoning period. 

I purchased umbrella insurance beyond the liability part of each rental dwelling policy.

When you find one well below market value that needs work, you can put some money into rehab, then rent it, and you'll have instant equity and a higher cash on cash return4.

Most states allow for what are called "'Occupancy checks" Of course you should verify this and then post a Notice on the door stating something similar to the following:"PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ON ------- 2024, THE OWNER OR THE OWNER'S AGENT WILL CONDUCT AN OCCUPANCY CHECK TO DETERMINE IF THE DWELLING IS CURRENTLY OCCUPIED OR VACANT.

. - Permit ConsultantsIn areas where vacation rental dwelling permits or licenses are required (DO YOUR RESEARCH) it can be useful to employ a consultant to process your application or permit.

Being in an up and coming neighborhood, I feel like that is a prime location for a developer to look to purchase (the houses and the garages, which my house would be right in the middle of) to put up a multi unit dwelling.

He kept avoiding our requests and said we should claim it in our 2023 taxes instead… The last straw for us was when he tried to charge us another $7.5k to file our taxes which obviously ended our relationship instantly.

Replacement of Water Heaters: No permit shall be required for replacement of water heaters in one- or two-family dwellings, provided: The energy use rate or thermal input is not greater than that of the water heater which is being replaced.

If your property has any special aspects, you may find that the recommendations are not addressing it or indicating you should remove a needed coverager.If this is a 1-4 family rental dwelling (completely non-owner occupied) the likely policy is a Dwelling Fire Policy.