Can we deduct repairs and maintenance done to a property we converted from rental to personal use? How?

If the property was for personal use at the time of repair and maintenance, you cannot claim the expenses.

If the property was rented at that time, you may claim the expenses in schedule E.

It was damage done by the tenant and was repaired after they moved out and before we moved in.  Does that count?

Yes that will count if the damage was done when the property was being rented, and you paid for those repair during the related tax year.

Thank you so much!  May I also ask about insurance during the time it was rented?  All of my escrow information is on my mortgage 1098, but it was rented for 6 months of 2017.