Can't claim both.

But, my first properties were bought in my name...quit claimed to a land trust...and my LLC handles the mortgage payment, taxes, ect.  

You have no experience and do not want to be suing cosigners in small claims and chasing tenants through the evictions process.

My understanding is: the property becomes Sch-E qualified "when put into service", which means you advertise is availability as a rental.Property A (dec.15) would be claimed for expenses and no incomeProperty B does not qualify for any thing except closing costs.But check with your CPA for accuracy on this

Long story short, it was an ugly eviction followed by the landlord's small claims court case, and the tenant kept texting the landlord afterward in a creepy manner.

IF he refuses to do it amicably, hold him to the lease, and take him to small claims court.

You said the former owner had moved out in July 2015 but I would think he'd have an argument for claiming he still occupied the property if his stuff was in it. 

When renting my properties, I have prospective tenants claiming their felt being discriminated aagainst because they were declined due to their credit score or income.

I beleive they claim $99 per month per door.  

They claim to be able to close in 7 days.