I have 15 rentals and I will probably depreciate them all, and take any other normal deductions, but I'm looking for some creative ways to lessen the gain.

Creativity!

That can work great but you can do even more by being more creative with your marketing to find better deals and creative with he strategies that you use to structure the deals.

Have you considered other creative ways of investing such as L/O, sub-to's, or even flips.

lol - only kiddinFINANCING, FINANCING, FINANCING - and the risks involved - how creative can you get - where else can you get money to fund your investmentsexit strategies - what and how to accomplish it - specificallyformulas - EXCEL - learn it, it's a great toolCash Flow Analysis - the real dealProperty AnalysisSeller Information - how to get itMarketing - the fun...but expensive stuff - oh and how to find free avenues for marketing your properties or businessto me, if you spend 6 months doing mock offers, tearing one house to shreds, on paper and really giving a realtor or two hell and improving on your own sheer noobness - it will pay off in spades, rather than get into something way over your head.

So it is a busy season... contractors often don't return calls. you book appointments with them  and they never show up , or show up gives a bid and then say they actually  booked...I have two properties in Kansas City right now that needs exterior and interior paint job.its about 4000-4500 budget for eachI purchase all paintfinally two  contractors bid and ready to do it but  insist on getting 1000 to 2000 upfront  for each property before they start .I am not too excited paying someone I dont know those amounts.can any of you who are experience in rehabs have a creative solution not to losethose contractors but reduce the risk?

Genius is 1% Inspiration and 99% Perspiration. 

Without it, you have to be knowledgeable of other "creative financing" in order to pull a deal.

Our creativity is fueled by innovation, loyalty.

One who is academically genius won't transfer to financial knowledge.