Improvements, like an addition or major remodeling would increase your basis.

Because, a) it isn't really an issue and b) it never was an issue.The vast majority of small investors buying houses use creative financing.

See at the end of the day it is about how you run your business and if you want to wait for everyone else to start marketing then you are going to miss out on a MAJOR marketing campaign.If you are a true real estate investor, then you have to think outside of the box and in the economy we are in I AM HAVING THE TIME OF MY LIFE.

On the upside being close to major metro areas (Washington DC?)

You are correct when you said that the majority of these people will not buy the property.

In major markets that I focus on, this is a pretty good one.

Yes, component segmentation can allow you to take a larger depreciation deduction in the early years of property ownership, but if you never sell the property the total depreciation allowed over 27.5 years with component segmentation will be the same as the depreciation allowed without component segmentation.

Hopefully you learn how to think in college and that will be a major benefit.

Admittedly this will be easier to get a spot if you live in a suburb vs. a major city.

Then, I would just assume that the majority of inherited tenants will need to be evicted or otherwise gotten rid of!