Not only do you wanto to inmediately take the $2,000 deduction but you want to throw something in there as a show of good faith, maybe a washer/dryer or the like.

There is a lot of similar commentary here:Would You Trade Your Real Estate Tax Deductions For a Simpler Tax CodeThe system is totally nonsensical and broken.

IOW, self-help is restricted to rather small jobs that can be deducted from one month's rent without withholding the entire amount.The landlord is nonchalant about it all and says it's only an investment propertySounds like a real jerk to me.

What instrument could we use to get my lease optioner client into a position where he could benefit from tax deductions?

No receipts for tax deductions, nothing.

He asked to do lawn work for a rent deduction (which he's not doing anymore).He's 46 years old and pretty much just smokes weed and drinks alot.

BTW - sounds like you should ask your CPA all of these questions, but an additional deduction you would have is depreciation.

I list the 12 months down the left side, show the year's beginning balance in one column, each month's addition to the account in the next column, any deductions (tax and insurance) in the next and a running total in the last.

Since her taxes have already been deducted from her pay check by check?

Home loan interst is also a great tax deduction and if the rate is low, don't make extra principle payments.