Sometimes people sell to extract capital to be used in different projects. 

Usually an "Erickson machine" which is a hand operated drum or "top snake" cable machine will extract a couple handfuls of hair at about 4 to 10 linear feet down the drain.This is the usual fix.If this does not solve your problem I reccomend the services of a professional drain cleaning company.These folks have rolling workshops with drain equipment of every description include fiber optic cameras that can inspect drains as small as 2" in diameter.Choose a firm that strictly specializes in drain cleaning opposed to genral plumbing.These guys solve problems like yours everyday ,,,theres quite a lot to it actually,,,and these guys have seen EVERYTHING believe me,,,Lynn if you indeed have broken remnants of tile or concrete in your shower drain it will be very difficult to correct in a "slab job" house.You may request a technician to attempt vacumning out the remnants with a "wet dry vacumn".He can then a attempt to clear it with a cable machine or a high pressure "Hydro Jetter" machine.If you had a raised foundation house of course you would have the option of a plumber working under the problem area and "chopping out " the section of clogged pipe and replacing it with new material.This is one of the many reasons I do not like nor will I invest in slab houses.Good luck Lynn and hope this helpsDave DoyleLos Angeles

Does that enable us to claim our own utilities, insurance, HOA dues and other expenses on our taxes?

It has helped me negotiate stronger compensation packages and the ability to work remotely which have enabled me to invest in real estate.  

Below, is the link to the "complete statute" for California Tax Sales, plus I extracted a portion of it for your review (the section that I believe deals with you question).

By doing this, you are enabling yourself to buy them out of the deal through a refi and go do another project with those same investors again. 

Below are the formulas we use:ROI = (Income - DebtService - ManagementFee - Insurance - RETax - PeriodicFees) x (1 - StateIncomeTax) / ( DownPayment + ClosingCosts)Cash Flow = (Income - DebtService - ManagementFee - Insurance - RETax - PeriodicFees) x (1 - StateIncomeTax)The results will enable you to make an informed decision on whether this location makes sense or if you need to look for another location.Another long post but I hope it helps.

We extracted all of our initial investment out of the property via a refinance around 2 years after it was purchased.

Joining multiple multi-family syndication groups has enabled us to scale from 0 to 2,600 doors across Class B and C deals as co-Sponsors.   

Remote working has enabled this opportunity.