I'm currently working with a few fix and flip people and we are having a tough time, I'm sure like everyone else, with winning offers on MLS listed properties.

Yes it is tough.

I have seen that play over and over in these D class areas of the country... its a specialty and a skill to own and manage them and get them to actually produce income.. with 14 doors in one spot in a D class area you will probably have one eviction going at ALL times .. so think it through there is a reason these properties end up like this.. and many times its not the owner its the demographic and tenant base that is basically unmanageable.If the above is something you can do.. then it seems like a pretty decent deal. what I did in the 80's when RE was dog tough.. 18% interest rates..

This is tough, a lot of wholesaling comes from working with sellers directly...

Not saying a flow meter can never fail but this will be a tough battle as the city has monthly water readings for documentation and you do not have anything other than assumptions.

Besides, my opinions on what's wrong with the property, the only way to make this property cash flow positive is increase your down payment to 30 to 35%, this way your debt service will become smaller than your rental income and you'll start earning a $25 a month of positive cash flow.Austin is a tough market, if you are going for newer properties.

I have a good handle on construction, I have folks that I can get material and labor, etc.  

The market here in northern Utah is tough as of the last couple years.

I have been, and im 3 for 3 putting mitigation systems in, fortunately i can do them in about a day and $200 in materials, but just curious what everyone else is doing?

Materials, labor paid to people who also worked on the house, miles driven, etc.My question is - and this may seen like a naive newbie question - can I use this to help save money on my taxes?