I would prefer it to be my handyman but if my tenants have someone reputable, all I ask is for them to send me their business card.

You deduct it when you first started using it in your rental business, whichever year it happens to be. 

What are the benefits of 1 vs the other and when growing your business, which one is better? 

Or if you buy a duplex, live in one side, and work the deal so the tenant is paying all or most of the mortgage (some circumstance like that).Buying a rental house (or 20) the right way, and renting them out forever is one of the best passive business models I’ve ever experienced.

for certain its just like any business under capitalized business fail at an alarming rate.

New to the Business, Appreciate Your Insights

I have done around 50 deals, but only 5 with this model.

Finally, on the business side of things, if I fill my mission to provide a product that is better than the competition or simply not offered by the competition, I shouldn't need to rely on potentially cheap marketing on BP.I understand it'd be silly to not do business if it can be a win-win for all involved but there is the right way to do things and you actually did by contacting me.

I don't say this because I'm a HML, but because I just don't like the risk/liability of holding a rental property in my own name.But again, I'm not in that business...Maybe someone who is can shed some light / give better advice...

Last but not least, my business partner Chris just mentioned to me this website which it seems to be pretty accurate in terms of market rent. https://www.rentometer.com