Material participation pre-market

[Caitlin Fawcett]

I am about to put my first STR into service. I spent a lot of time getting it set up. Moving and assembling furniture, buying all of the necessary items. It was a blank slate when I bought it, but only needed to be painted and a closet door replaced in terms of "renovation". Would the hours I spent getting this condo ready before it is placed on the market count towards material participation hours or only after it is in service? I am hearing different things from different CPAs. Thank you!