If you sent me a 15-20 page PDF with your personal income statement, employment status, education, skills, the property or properties you are considering, your calculations and projections, your rehab estimates from contractors, local comps, appraisals, estimated ARV, what you plan to list it for, who your realtor or broker is, your 5 year plan, etc.

For instance, if a potential mentor seems to complain a lot about not having time to create flyers, business cards, or keep their social media content updated, if you have the time and knowledge you could offer to fill that need.  

What alternative method would you propose for the IRS to use to verify someone's status as a Real Estate Professional? 

I've had social workers working for agencies who routinely defend their client's behavior, as if violent, argumentative behavior, domestic violence, illegal drug use, violation of lease terms, and of course, always combined with non-payment of rent, were just a "cultural" difference. 

I'd start by attending meetups in your area and socializing with active investors.

I would have to disclose my realtor status but would I still have to split commission with broker?

So far, the PM and super had been notified she's not living there, and my wife made sure the super has an extra key just in case she loses hers.So far, the monthly fees of several hundred dollars are covered by her social security and NYC pension, and she lives rent free in San Francisco.

In 10 years she will have social security to supplement her rent. 

@Joe Sz Sorry I don't have any suggestions for you for more deduction...But just commenting on what Account Closed was referring to about the real estate professional status.

on the status of the project.