@Philip C.Using my familiar tune, there're three, not one, ways to write off appliances:de minimis safe harbor100% bonus depreciationSection 179All three allow an immediate deduction, but these methods can still produce different overall results.

Ultimately, it'll take exposure over time to gain a more thorough knowledge, but for starters, which episodes do you recommend?

I often break it down into the "five pillars" of protecting your assets.1st pillar is avoiding unnecessary and risky activities (don't drink and drive, insurance generally won’t cover your poor decisions) and take good care of your investments - these simple steps will help you prevent lawsuits before they even occur.2nd pillar is a good insurance policy as that cover the majority of your exposure.

Also due to properties going UC within ~2 hours of MLS exposure.

@Carter DoeringWhy not just put it in RMLS, even if you FSBO it, for max exposure and make it go away for less hassle?

I know that adjustable rate mortgages are now fairly rare for regular consumers, but those same owners can have interest rate exposure elsewhere.

And by marketing while under contract, you can limit your exposure as an “investor” by guaranteeing a backend buyer, before ever having to close on the deal.

I agree having large amounts of cash sit in a savings account isn't smart...the chunk of cash I'm considering using to pay-off the mortgage kind of snuck up on me due to selling a property ahead of schedule and unexpected work bonuses.

Some pit falls are in these areas:- Claiming expenses before your first rental property is "in service", which you can't do- Understanding when a property is "in service"- Knowing what is a legitimate business expense and how to categorize- Knowing the difference between and expense and when to depreciate an item- Knowing depreciation time frames and how to calculate it- Understanding rules around passive loss- Understanding bonus depreciation, free haven rules and pass through credits - whether they apply to you or notMy advice is hire a CPA do do your taxes, then review yourself.

For beginning investors looking into asset protection I often break it down into the 5 pillars of asset protection (but there are many more.)1st pillar is avoiding unnecessary and risky activities (don't drink and drive, insurance generally won’t cover your poor decisions) and take good care of your investments - these simple steps will help you prevent lawsuits before they even occur.2nd pillar is a good insurance policy as that cover the majority of your exposure.