Depreciation for High income earners?

[James Ryan]

I'm completely new to real estate investing and going to try my hand at some rental properties. I asked my accountant if he has experience with this - he has some clients who do rentals but doesn't seem to think there is much of a tax advantage for me because I make too much (W2) to offset my wages via depreciation. I can roll over the depreciation to offset my gains later on, but is there any benefit for me to do cost segregation and maximize my early depreciation if it's not going to matter until I sell?

Thanks!

[Henry Clark]

OP if your new to investing, I would look at the following first before normal REI.

1.  Your house.  Depending on your loan % rate and your family situation.  You have a $250k per spouse reduction to any capital gains if you sale your house.  If you have a low percentage loan and if your flexible to move to a different neighborhood; you might not do.  Example:  If you have a $900,000 home value with a basis of $500,000; plus your getting ready to retire or its only the two of you and you can change neighborhoods to a lower price community.  Or if you decide to house hack or value add.

2.  Depending on your job or profession.  If you could do writeoffs on your home, or invest in a store or office front for your profession.  

Sit down with someone and give them your total background and they should be able to give you ideas.