Don't try to become a tax expert yourself.  

The way I understand this (not a tax expert) you scenario is definitely a repair and you should deduct it as such (typically better for you to deduct current expense rather than depreciate).

I think I will be better off to perform separate inspections of each of the components, plumbing, electricity, structure ...in stead of home inspector touching everything ..I think the expert in one area would be better when it comes to kicking the tires on REO abandoned for 3yrs ...thanks!

I'm not an expert but I am also learning.

We become experts at that and add to our arsenal later, if we chose to.We must continuously read and educate ourselves, but we CANNOT wait until we feel we know everything!

It seems the assigning would be a better way to go, but thought I would ask all you experts to find out what I am missing :).

This is our only vacation rental we own and we've only had it since March 2012, so we are far from being experts on this subject.

I am no expert on the subject but, I work with several investors that buy notes from us in SDIRA's.

Always seek out the advice of experts who you know are working on your behalf.

Brian: I'm certainly not a trust expert, have only taken a class and used a few times.