We installed a water well, fencing, a compacted house pad, and built an $80k barn/workshop.Before we could start the house, I got laid off (oil & gas) and we converted about 1,000sf of the barn to living space.

@Bonifacio Capuyan If this contractor remains unresponsive and doesn't settle soon, I am a big believer in making his fraud public - naming and shaming. 

I believe I know the answer but would like confirmation from those of you in the business who would be kind of enough to give me your feed back on...

The cost of the furnace is over the $2500 De Minimus safe harbor amount I could claim, so I believe it will need to be depreciated.Speaking of De Minimus safe harbor, don't we have to make an election as to which safe harbor we're claiming for the year? 

@Matthew Paul - you are in the minority as I believe many homeowners would definitely prefer to have public utilities (as many of us don’t have backhoes) 

(Think Seaport, and Southie)Do note, that the properties you will likely come across in these areas will require major work; so I strongly believe that building a team that can provide rehab and other construction work will be a major asset.

Well, if we live through it, it will be a good long-term I believe. 

We believe the area is an up & coming area with potential with jobs moving into the area (Amazon, Foxconn, Abbott Pharmaceuticals etc.)

If they don't believe you have a good deal, they won't fund the deal for you.

I do believe these units to be in a great location.