That's the maximum that Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (if you recognize those names) will allow.  

I'd like my partner to also be recognized as 1/2 owner in the new property.

Wait 12 months to refinance when lenders will recognize appraised value versus land contract purchase price.

The cost seg needs to be for the same year you will recognize the gain.   

Tenants, in my experience, don't recognize the value of included utilities as much as we think or would like them to.

It pays to be sociable and genuine with people.

I should mention the lease has an arbitration requirement (however you feel about that clause).I recognize many things I should have done otherwise, and I'll note them as learning lessons:- Have regular visits to check the condition of the home.- Develop more through reference checking.- Study the law and generally act fast especially with deposits. 

I checked with my lender and they confirmed that both new builds will be closed as primary with 7-8 months apart (with letter to underwriters as this is genuine case).

Did I not read somewhere that you can only report a loss on a sch C for X amount of years out of 5 before the IRS no longer recognizes the activity as a business but as a hobby?

Constantly analyzing deals is so beneficial in the simple fact that you'll be able to recognize a great deal far quicker because you already know what to look for.