Allowable tax deductions

[Fred Stevenson]

I'm an active investor, but I don't qualify as a professional REI. I'm trying to understand what types of business related expenses I can deduct. I have created an LLC that I will be using to buy my investment properties in.

If I take a trip somewhere to view investment properties, can I deduct those expenses from my earned income when I file? What if I bought a new computer and software to manage my investments?  Or are these expenses deductible only if I'm a real estate professional? 

Thanks.