We secured hard money for the pre-approval; however, we'd be interested in comparing terms with other lenders over the next few days.

He pays what you call regular income tax PLUS 15% self-employment tax (Soc Security/Medicare).

I assume you have a security deposit?

Yeah that makes sense on a larger property there are economies of scale so hiring security cost per unit wouldn't be as expensive. 

Originally posted by @Ernesto Correa:Hello,I am currently renting a room to my adult child and was wondering if this qualifies me to be able and take the tax benefits of a RE "investor".Thanks  Do you have an official lease?

We do have a secured solid wrought iron fence/gate to the alley, so the tenants are secure as long as they remember to lock the gate.I will go ahead and try to contact our council member and see if anything sticks there.

Your friend should send a demand letter for the return of his security deposit, or whatever portion of it he feels should be returned.

We do have simplisafe which might have failed to ring.My idea is to have a security guard who can be present at the property while no one is working there.

Roughly speaking, my mortgage payment would deflate (reducing my "rent payment") or if I rented it out the rent increases would inflate, keeping the previous numbers "real."4)  Social Security @ age 62, $1,760.The above scenario does not include my taxable account of  ~ 110K, which is about 15% stocks, 10% bonds, rest high yield savings cash.  

Did you collect a security deposit to assist?