Access to MLS data Ability to write your own offers Ability to earn commissions on your purchase Ability to save commission on your own properties that you sell .

I didn't read this to ensure its accuracy but it certainly looks to be from a credible source. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/33-Real%20Estate%2...Cliff Notes:Real Estate Professional Qualification • Material participation in each specific rental • Material participation in separate Real Property Trade or business • 50% rule • 750 hours rule • 5% ownership ruleReal Estate Trade or Business Defined IRC Sec. 469(c)(7)(C) Any Real Property: • Development or redevelopment; • Construction or reconstruction; • Acquisition and/or conversion; • Rental Activity that is not a Passive Activity; • Property management; • Brokerage activities.Example 1: Laura owns 5% or more of a real estate sales office • Works full time as a broker • She owns 3 rental properties and: • She finds the tenants; • Approves tenants and leases; • Approves and oversees repairs & improvements • Net rental losses are $31,000 and her modified AGI is $160,000 before the losses • Deduct the full $31,000 in the current tax yearExample 2: John acquires old homes and contracts 3rd parties to renovate and ready for resale.

Any advice on recording of repairs and improvements separately?

While it improves your position it is not taxable by the IRS.Interest paid on loans used in your business (whether flipping or renting) is deductible. 

They are also available at most home improvement stores.Kwikset Grade 1 Deadbolt

Summit County and Vail are the easiest to access and probably have the best amenities.

If you are only turning it on a few hours a month, we are talking pennies of electricity.I have a clause in my lease that states landlord can use power for maintenance, repair and improvements.

This is definitely below market rate (could probably rent for around $2000/month), but these are unicorn tenants and they are managing the property very well (small landscaping projects, small home improvements).The current value of the house per Zillow is $383,000.I am originally from the Bay Area so we plan to settle in Northern California once my husband is out of the Air Force in a couple of years.

Over improved for the neighborhood.2.

There are lots of quantitative metrics ("mainstream" as you say) to observe here (P/E for the S&P - see chart below, margin levels, ratio of total market cap to GDP, etc), & anyone with access to google can see the same numbers.