However, it doesn't indicate that the professional is well versed in taxation as it relates to Real Estate.I would question the EA how many clients and what percentage of his clients are real estate investors.You may also want to ask him/her for a referral from one of his real estate investing clients.In the chance that he/she does not work out - there are tax professionals here on BP that may be able to help.

On a serious note, actually it doesn't really matter if the cleaning person is a family member or not, I think that any person who provides a professional cleaning service should be compensated for it.

I think the more professional the better. 

Folks have a lot more rights as idiots (Consumers in an Owner occupied deal) than Investors or anyone with a license (professional license not a drivers license;-)

I usually update it on www.meetup.com/fwbrealestateThere is also a great reia that I attend called the Professional Investors Guild www.meetup.com/destinpigLooking forward to meeting you at one of them.

However, it's in your unit and I have professionals telling me it wasnt an accident.

I did the professional thing and did not laugh out loud. 

As always talk to your tax professional but that's what entity most investors use. 

Do I just cut a hole in the white plastic and stick the drain tube from the washer down the hole?

You will highly regret it if you hold onto it because it will just drain money from your account on a monthly basis.