I asked my accountant if I can deduct anything in the property like depreciation and he said since nothing is in my name tax wise I can't.

The rent to price ratio here almost matches the RTP ratio of the C class areas but the main trade off you experience with access to better tenants is that the taxes are higher. 

Everything I read online says DO NOT use exterior stain on the interior due to the fact it gives off harmful chemicals. 

Any other advice or strategies for finding your first off-market deal?

That is correct @J Scott as my entire business model is based off your books.  

The main reason is because local governments are getting quite aggressive trying to shut down STRs and creating new taxes etc for them.

It's a write off and well worth it (especially considering you're bringing in $60K per year from one rental). 

Myself and my mom were former clients of this business and can attest to the fact that Terrance Burner and Taya Lee scammed us.Terrance basically marketed Invictus as a "hands off out of state real estate investing company".

She called and told me straight off that her husband has 2 prior felonies.

They have been a mess, I have  3 deals that should had been paid off in 2022 and all went to foreclosure.