For my crack they will do the same; however, where bricks are cracked and they do not need replacing - they will grind the brick down and put in a mortar joint.  

The limitation was created as part of the 2017 Republican tax law to offset other tax cuts to firms in that legislation.Suspending the limitation will cost taxpayers about $90 billion in 2020 alone, part of a set of tax changes that will add close to $170 billion to the national deficit over the next 10 years, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), the nonpartisan congressional body.The provision has fueled criticism by congressional Democrats and some tax experts who have called it a giveaway to the wealthy and real estate investors, who frequently face large losses on their investments.

Finally, join a local Rei group and find someone more experienced to do a joint venture.

I only do tenants with bank accounts that can do ACH pay via erentpayments.com / cozy.co ...Think outside the box in mid-GA, only buy quality houses in growing MSAs with available jobs. 

However if he is looking for all the money now and or soon you can look into finding a money partner who has the funds and you can purchase together with an LLC/Joint Venture.

Also, I am reading about syndication and joint ventures.

Leverage a more extensive network and the economies of scale and rid yourself of the head aches.

If you or your fiancé can qualify for financing on your own (not jointly) for either the primary or investment, it would be more beneficial to do so.

There are also NCNDA, Joint ventures, option agreements, addendums, etc. 

Alternately put together a friendly joint venture - where your friends or relative agree to contribute X $ to be used for real estate investing.