Okay, so if I think of it as a house I just bought for myself, and then converted to a rental, this makes more sense. I guess I just to use that mindset. In that situation, I don't get to deduct utilities, repairs, maintenance, or insurance, but I would track capital improvements, which increase my basis in the property. I'd also track mortgage interest under the "second home" category, I guess (which may reach the new max limit, when combined with my personal mortgage). Tracking mortgage interest for a few months and splitting it between pre and post "Ready to rent" is doable, but a bit of a pain. Guess you do the same for property taxes?
