reconciliation on a daily basis is overkill

On death, heirs get a step-up in basis and the unrealized gains disappear.1031 Exchanges – Still alive for real property.

If you do plan on finishing the basement, here are a couple of ways it can add value:Resale value: A finished basement often boosts square footage and market appeal, which can increase the property’s resale price or rental income potential.Tax benefits if it’s a rental: Renovation costs (like framing, drywall, plumbing, etc.) get added to your property’s basis and can be depreciated over 27.5 years.

Quote from @Rohullah Sharifi: An important point to remember is that cost segregation and bonus depreciation are not gifts or free deductions—they reduce your depreciable basis in the property.

Using the calculators on a daily basis would be a good habit to perfect your deal analysis skills.

That situation is not normal.

You should hire a handyman for stuff that requires a handyman (i.e, fixing locks, painting, minor plumbing work) and hire a general contractor for larger renovations that would require permits/licences/etc.Sounds like you know the answer...use both based on the particular situation.I'm in Chicago and use both on a regular basis.

You have to send in documents, wait, get permession, get called/emailed back, THEN get permission to do normal things that take 30 seconds on a normal online bank portal such as a same day wire transfer.  

The HELOC balance doesn’t change your gain, but make sure depreciation recapture, selling costs, and your basis are all accounted for properly....This post does not create a CPA-client relationship.

@Jeff Pavlik  Builder grade paint shows everything - totally normal.