@Chris Grenier I think I was definitely too haphazard with this first round of mailers so I did not record either of those things.

The numbers are ok on the duplex but I definitely paid too much and it really messed up my dtv as the property value fell.

My original question related to the definition of acquisition date as my settlement statement is as of 6/10/16, but there was a delay of getting access to the house due to a signature problem (mom died, 4 children as heirs and one them was in prison.  

There are definitely some promising things going on there.

Definitely helped clear things up.

I will definitely give you shout.

My Introduction to REI failure (for those interested):I’ve been bitten by the real estate bug three months ago and ever since then I knew this was my path to financial freedom.

For a definition of this FDAP vs ECI stuff, see explanations in Nolo Guide to Landlord.

The property will definitely need probate unless a deed was conveyed at some point but was never recorded.

You definitely don't want to set yourself up for a lawsuit (there are enough opportunities for that already).