You're completely deferring all tax on gain. 

But now I am being told that if I do a refi to pay them off I will lose the 'prop 19' tax basis on the portion of the property I buy from them, even if I move into it as my primary residence. 

@Tammy Muller here are two great threads that cover the accounting software options and feedback thoroughly: BP -> Quickbooks or something elseBP -> Fav bookkeeping/accounting softwareThey don't mention either of these options, but that might be because RentalHero &  REI Hub are full-blown property management software, and Quickbooks Online, Digb, and Stessa are accounting/tax software focused on real estate investors.

DSCR loans are underwritten based on your credit, liquidity, and the rent you will receive vs the principal, interest taxes, and insurance.

As a newbie, my first question is around how to start out.What is the best type of business for Real Estate Investing to get the best tax break?

I agree with the cost of high taxes it's hard to make a profit but not impossible.

Multiple, billion dollar companies are investing into our area, such as Intel, Google, and Amazon, due to reasons such as lower costs on land, great tax abatement opportunities, and an attractive cost of living for employees.

If I am able to make tax deductions or write offs from repairs/ maintenance items how can I do so?

However, I usually keep depreciation off the balance sheet until I can see the tax return and I go back and add it for the previous year.

Quotas, bans outrageous taxes.