With strategic updates and market insight, this property became a highly desirable investment, showcasing the power of effective collaboration and value-driven improvements.

You are required to file a complete and accurate return, which means reporting the income that you earned along with atleast the direct expenses that you incurred on your rental.There are two comflicting forces - Your tax accountant wants to be aggressive with deductions because it will entitle you to paying less taxes(now or in the future).Your lender wants to see as much income as that will increase your Debt to Income Ratio(DTI).The good thing is that you can speak with your lender about 'one time expenses', that were only incurred in that year and are not reoccuring. 

The Seller’s earnings are around $300,000 for the past 3 years.

I can’t believe you found a renter with a lawnmower and the desire to mow.

Actually sit down and evaluate deals in those markets to see if they line up to your desired metrics.

🌞6️⃣ Rental Income Deductions: Earn income & deduct related expenses.7️⃣ Home Equity Loan Interest: Deduct interest if used to improve your home.8️⃣ Military Moving Expenses: Active-duty?

These strategic improvements modernized the home, making it move-in ready and increasing its desirability among buyers.

@Sharon Israel - Since you mentioned "community" as one of your key desires, I would recommend you check out Jack and Gino's community for multifamily investors.

The search function leaves much to be desired, but you'll do best searching "FlipSystems" as one word:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/79/topics/1182640-lesso...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/67/topics/1204806-seeki...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1098187-flips...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/79/topics/1188268-flips...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/92/topics/1181695-is-fl...I admittedly have not read every reply, but it seems like a sea of red with "Amy B." being the only positive sounding reply on this thread: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/67/topics/1174732-calli...Is that the person you spoke to as a reference that's his girlfriend?

The market appreciates 3% per year.If you pay cash for one house and rent it for $1,500, after five years, you'll have earned $90,000 in rent income and gained $34,000 in appreciation.