For example, i) check and send a picture of the electrical panel, ii) gather info about the age of main features / appliances (e.g. roof, water heater, etc.), ...  

Got a crazy story out of it though… through some sort of miscommunication, the roofing sub-contractor replaced the roof on the wrong house!

The kitchen sink had been leaking for so long that the entire kitchen floor was rotted out and I could see into the basement.

The roof and furnace are both brand new and the listing price is $89,900.00. 

New plumbing , roof , electrical etc.

Other side needs rehab and roof...so yes something short term.

Can I write off the expenses of a new roof and a driveway repair during a room "house-hack" where it is a primary residence? 

Cash flow is the money you have left AFTER paying all expenses, which includes setting aside funds for future maintenance, capex (roof, carpet, furnace, driveway, and other big expenses), vacancies, property management, etc.

New fence, new roof, new carpet and cosmetic repairs and cleaning.

My investor financed it with a private lender and made a GEM including a finished basement, Juliet Balcony, roof deck, and a cleverly made enclosed parking space in the back.