| The best and safest strategy is to deduct these expenses only after the rental property has been purchased.
The deductible travel expenses would include the travel expenses to fly to the rental property destination, along with the lodging, meals and any incidental expenses incurred directly related to the rental property only! The Rental property activity is considered an activity that is involves the production of the income and so any travel expenses connected to this particular activity would be deductible.
For travel expenses related to the acquisition of land, I would not deduct these as it is not directly involved in the production of income! | 
