I did well last year and i wanted to know some creative write offs that may apply beyond the normal upkeep, utilities, repair, taxes, insurance...can i write off consultant fees to a company who helps me evaluate deals and find properties? 

Rumpke would probably give a better rate)So $360+$360+$599 = $1,319   If the property manager charges $100 per hour, then add $800 for a total of $2,119.Maybe I missed something...DL40 Yard Dumpster 12xHolds ~ Twelve Pickup Truck LoadsHousehold Debris10000 lbs weight limit$599.00 flat rate!

So if you are out there, searching for a group to join that will help you level up, keep searching.  

The buyer is responsible for all taxes, maintenance, and upkeep, so it is mostly on the buyer.

Is it better to use fiberglass or rockwool insulation to insulate weight cavities before putting in replacement windows?

The only reason I might consider doing it the other way is if the tenant has been abusing the appliances or they have a lot of problems with appliances and you cannot afford to continue the upkeep of them.

A good property manager is worth their weight in gold.  

We are now coming to the end of the lease and we want to increase the rent to the original amount we had determined to be FMV as well as what we personally needed to offset the mortgage/upkeep costs. 

My goal is to put together a portfolio of 100 single family homes by the time I retire, and pass them down to my kids... so I'm looking for properties that will make the most sense LONG TERM in regards to minimizing upkeep, capital expenses, insurance costs, etc...

Just remember, the credit agencies keep all this stuff hush hush, and everyone is weighted differently, so no one here can really tell you want YOUR credit will do, under the circumstances.You can use the heck out of your credit cards, IF you pay them off within 30 days of the charge, and "technically" shouldn't get hit with utilization problems.