Common substances tested include petroleum, hydrocarbons, solvents, and sometimes asbestos and mold.

That means we've gone through all the horror stories, scammers, folks running off with money, shoddy work, etc.So you'll probably find few, if any, folks willing to hand those relationships over.My advice would be to test folks out on small jobs and work them up to doing larger ones.

I can do a wet paper towel test afterwards and it comes up pristine, but I also have a dog so it doesn't last long :/

@Heather Little short answer it depends.Longer answer: Section 469 requires that you meet both the 750 hours and more than 50% test (sounds like you are aware of this).

The repairs vs. deminumus vs. capitalized tests all come into service one an asset is in service. 

Again, this may not be true in your market so you'll want to do some research/post a test ad.Hope this helps a bit!

I knew that didn't pass the sniff test.

You said it was an older home, so remember Virginia has required disclosures like lead paint, and there's a new required tenant rights and responsibilities form that has to be done, some localities require annual smoke alarm tests or rental inspections. 

You can get a better return on that dollar by updating the roof.To paraphrase Morgen Housel; at the end of the day it really needs to pass the sleep test.

I did a test and input this data into ChatGPT: What is the ROI and monthly cash flow on a property purchased for $135,000?