You can always tackle the upgrades later once cash flow and equity improve.

Another option is to wait until 2026, do a cost seg, and then a 3115 to catch up on depreciation that wasn't taken in 2025.The benefit of waiting until 2026 is that it gives you a window to make adjustments or improvements to the property, such as upgraded appliances, flooring, or other tangible components, which can qualify as shorter-life assets under cost segregation.

Know your market and when the "blood is running in the streets" be ready to buy!

.🧑‍🔧 Contractor Labor & Supplies – Any materials or hired help for property improvements.🚗 Mileage/Travel – When traveling to inspect or manage rental properties (keep mileage logs).💻 Office Supplies & Software – Including bookkeeping tools, printers, and even part of your home office.Creative Ways to Give Back — and Still SaveGiving back can also be tax-deductible when done thoughtfully:🎁 Tenant Appreciation Gifts: Small gifts such as gift cards, snacks, or holiday baskets (under $25 per tenant per IRS rules) can be deductible as a business expense.🏘️ Community Donations: Contributing to local charities, shelters, or community events near your property may be tax-deductible if donated to a registered nonprofit (501(c)(3)).🧤 Property Improvement Drives: Donating old appliances, furniture, or materials from renovations to nonprofit organizations like Habitat for Humanity can qualify as a charitable deduction.Pro Tip:Before December 31st, review your receipts, invoices, and bank statements.

Probably $60K to $80K based on the improved cash flow and condition.But that means roughly $170K to $190K of the profit came from something else... buying the property right in the first place.This is the part most investors miss when they analyze deals.

They can be a real time suck and demand your blood, sweat, and tears.

We bought an apartment complex, operated it, improved it, and sold it on terms.

If there are improvements made, then you should be able to cash out on the new appraised value without any seasoning restrictions.

Live in the property, make improvements that the market will pay for, refinance or sell and repeat.Land is a good property type to avoid for a new investor - no cash flow, lots of pitfalls and time spent. 

That means more of your cash stays in your business, not the IRS’s pocket.For many buyers in this market the ability to offset income and reinvest tax savings is a major advantage — and it strengthens your underwriting.Since STRs have strong appeal (friends & family groups, weekend escapes, high-end amenities) the sooner you position it as a business, the better your financial outcome.Your Step-By-Step Playbook for Cost SegregationHere’s a practical checklist to make cost segregation work for you in an STR:Buy/underwrite with tax strategy in mind: When you evaluate a property, include cost segregation as part of your operating model (not just nightly rate and occupancy).Engage a cost segregation specialist: You’ll want a qualified provider who understands STRs (they’ll allocate assets into proper shorter lives, document everything).Structure operations for “business” treatment: Track participation (guest communication, property maintenance, marketing) to lean into non-passive income treatment.Conduct the study early: Ideally in the year you take service (purchase or major renovation) so you front‐load benefits.Keep detailed records: Invoices, improvement costs, design/furnishing upgrades, hours spent managing.