I can easily afford the NOLA mortgage while living there but was hoping to rent out the property after the project is completed. 

Hey Suraj, I moved to Columbus a few years ago (from Portland, Oregon which was super expensive) to become a full time real estate investor, and ever since, I've completed quite a lot of BRRRRs, flips, and own a successful rental portfolio here in Columbus Ohio.

If you are not in business yet, you cannot depreciate or write off operating or business expenses until you have a property in service. 

The best run, most efficient and very clean city I have ever lived in and that includes places on 3 continents.

Fishing new wires and pipes through existing walls is a huge expensive job.

A lot of these blogs I am reading are from out of state with very low cost of living so I think If someone from this area could answer this, it would be very helpful for me.So my husband and I are currently living in one unit for the past 4 years that is part of a triplex/multifamily property in Belmont Heights in Long Beach, Ca.

I found a multi family that’s within my budget but in the remarks it’s said to be a tear down and there’s a tenant who is still living there.

I was prepared not to claim it as an expense but now I'm having second thoughts.

I live and learn experience. 

I am a new(ish) investor living and operating out of England right now.