"Could this be a time to pickup a decent property for a bit of a steal there (at least relative to how crazy high the market has been recently)"Yes exactly

Hey BP,I posted a little about this project in another thread but wanted to post an update here.

Why did you hire them to begin with?

Note that if you are married filing joint, only the spouse who is qualifying for REPS is able to count their hours.Step 4: Apply the quantitative testsPer Section 469(c)(7)(B), in order to qualify for REPS, you must meet both of the tests below:750-Hour Test: If you materially participate in a real property trade or business, you must spend 750+ hours during the tax year.More Than Half Test: You must spend more than half of your personal service hours in the real property trade or business in which you materially participate.Step 5: Material participation in rental activities Just because you qualify for real estate professional status does not mean that your rental activities are automatically considered non-passive.

I feel like I've heard a few podcasts lately with guests that have done this strategy, unfortunately I don't remember their names.

I also agree that a garage conversion will cost much more.

So my questions to the community:1-Does anyone have experience with this process of obtaining a Letter of No Objection and could advise whether I could go at this alone or would recommend staying with an Expediter?

I always thought that if I can show them on paper the difference and how much more money they can make that it will be enticing. 

Below is my understanding but recommend confirming all of this with an attorney.Lease Terms and Updates: In Wisconsin, you can add clauses to the lease that spell out cleanliness expectations or even include a cleaning service if needed.

Does their business own more than just this building?