Business Expense - RE Exploration

[Anthony Vargas]

Hello BiggerPockets!

I am still a newbie real estate investor located in Minneapolis, but I have been perusing some other out of state markets with larger cash flow margins. I recently finished the Bigger Pockets book on Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate investor, and there was extensive discussions on business expense deductions. 

1. If I was to fly or drive to other markets to explore neighborhoods, how would I be able to deduct these expenses from my personal taxes (I do not have an LLC or other entity)? Is there a IRS Schedule that I would fill out?

2. Although most (> 50%) of the trip is for business purposes, can I even deduct these expenses without actually owning any real estate yet? 

[Daniel Anshus]

@Anthony Vargas talk to a cpa like @John Woodrich. Dont take anybodys word who isn't a cpa that specializes in this field.