I have had my account for some months now but have not utilized the resources provided here.

I originally signed a lease of $800. a mon all utilities included, then 2mon into lease my rent was raised $50.

Literally all you need is a tape measure and utility knife, and time. 

Why am I getting into the field, I hear you ask.Well, my parents are hitting retirement age and are having to work as hard as ever to sustain their lifestyles.Three kids on my mother's side and one on my father's means that I'm not holding out for a massive inheritence (though my mother has hinted that her life insurance pays out more than I would have expected...) and so, as with all things, I am learning to take control.I'm slowly coming full circle, have an interview for a job back in my old hometown and am remembering my dream as a 12 year old was to own hotels, coffee shops and houses.

You would not be able to utilize it on any of your actual financials or tax returns submitted to the IRS. 

Are you including capital expenditures, management, utilities and garbage, etc (if applicable)?

So; I realize most of these threads on purchasing pre-FC properties are for investment purposes, but, I wanted your thoughts on utilizing this same strategy to buy a primary home.Live in So Cal where listed properties are going for far above asking prices, multiple bids per property within 24 hrs, etc......What are your thoughts on mailing to pre-FC homeowners, in the cities I am looking to move to and see if I can get in contract on one of those?  

I finally found a property that is suitable to doing this type of development in sustainable living.

How does one evict a family member who has been living in the back house for more than 15 years and has not been paying any rent but only pays partial utilities when they are in the mood.  

For more information, see Publication 946.The following items increase the basis of property.The cost of extending utility service lines to the property;Impact fees;Legal fees, such as the cost of defending and perfecting title;Legal fees for obtaining a decrease in an assessment levied against property to pay for local improvements;Zoning costs; andThe capitalized value of a redeemable ground rent.Deducting vs.