Secondly, the IRS will examine the intent of the person - was the person intending to engage in an active trade or business.

My goal is to trade or buy up to multi units and commercial.

HI @Dawn Brenengen I am looking for several contractor recommendations in the Raleigh area for these specific trades: Plumbing, Electrical, Roofing and Drywall.

I'd try to contact some trade services that do large construction projects, but are more of a ma and pa based operation.

It has been a KISS method that has worked out really well for me and kept me from screwing things up, which I am sure would have happened if I would have tried to have been more Geek like in my approach.  

He's done trades that I've recommended for about 300k in stocks.

Since there are hundreds of opinions of the best methods, I'll share with you my current strategy.  

Here is my simple really quick rehab interior estimate method.  

Great suggestion Aaron.Although I'd probalby still have to use the ol' numbers,l on a napkin method lol!

Trade fixtures are all on a tenant.Interior walls dividing office space can aid in the marketability for future tenants, dividers for coffee/kitchen area, waiting area can improve the property if nicely done.