For example, I often see Buyers purchase property thinking there is a $1,000 deposit but then the tenant claims it was $2,000 because they paid the last month's rent.

Even if somebody came to him for help, he'd turn it down because the significant time involved (even will billing for it) and the costs to the client are prohibitive.There are lots of rules, I don't bother to know them all since this is avenue is too extreme for me, around IRA's and 401k's (and the various other tax advantaged accounts). 

Are they willing to provide a few months of bank statements and last years tax return showing matching income?

If you're just looking for general guidance around a successful STR journey, I have some friends with deep insights into everything from REI tax strategy to marketing and creative financing.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/530/topics/1056436-clearing-up-confusion-on-tax-treatment-of-short-term-rentals

If the basement was finished it would be about 1,500 sq. ft.Option 1- Fix & RentCost of Repairs: $10,000 (Estimate to get the house rent-ready, would leave the basement unfinished)Market Rent: $1,100Monthly Profit: (Rent $1,100) - ($700/month) - (8% property management cost is $88) = $612/month Other Benefits: Tax write-off, continued appreciation, continue to pay off mortgage, risk-management against my other rental property, passive income.

I am using TurboTax for my taxes, BTW.  

unfortunately, our STR in Clovis revenue are now negative -- in the past yr, Clovis started asking for occupancy tax. this cost us $1300 every quarter .  

Estate taxes.

I only gross $5600.. after taxes, benefits, 401k. its only  $3800 a month.. and if I take the 401k loan that's another $1160 out of my check 4.