The plan is to rent out the top unit to a long term tenant and for us to live in the middle unit until we move out (if we ever do). 

I'd like to find a way to cover all the expenses I still had to come up with myself 

I'm new to the REI world, currently living in Elizabeth City, NC while working in Norfolk, VA as an active duty Sailor in the USN.

This is quite expensive but hoping to refinance in perhaps a year .

I’ve lived in it solo the whole time.

I have always had the option of getting a graduate degree but never felt the expense would justify what little benefit I would receive.

@Jeremy H. not sure where you are doing your research - there's a lot of misinformation online.Short answer: Yes, the improvements that you make to your backyard do increase your tax basis rental property, but not all of the expenses can be depreciated.

In my mind though, since I live in NY, own the property in NY, doesn't it fall under NY laws anyway?

Windstorm is a huge expense.

I lived in the Metro Detroit area from 2017-2022.If you want some resources, or even to chat, I'm happy to send some your way.