It's for the tenant's benefit, but you will benefit from it over the long-term.

The way that I think about it is that these losses are future tax benefits.

Hello Everyone,I am questioning whether installing Water Softeners into my rental unit in Mound MN is worth it. Here there is a 25 GPG hardness and .2-.8PPM (not sure specifically what my rental has), which leads to b...

Not only will you save thousands of $$, you will have control over what is going on and avoid getting taken advantage of.This can also impact tax benefits.  

Also, what benefit would you actually be able to contribute with your limited knowledge?

This will give you extra cash flow in the first year and/or the early years to maximize your tax benefits and make your dream come true.

However investing in DIRECT real estate investments differs considerably from investing in mutual funds, index funds, bonds, money market and REITs that most investors are familiar with.  

Seasoned investor buyers often grumble about having to school their agents on investing, and the newbie will benefit from your hands on experience.

6.125% has P&I of $2625/month.5.75% has a P&I of $2521/monthThis is a $104 benefit.Paying $4400 more towards principle will reduce your payment to $2598, a $27/month savings.Math says buying the rate down has a larger net benefit to you up front, but it will take you 42 months to break even.

Tax incentives are just one of many benefits to invest in real estate, but far from the whole purpose.