We have had success with the debt-reduction aspect of Dave Ramsey; we personally have gotten "gazelle intense" in paying off debt, and saving up everything...bonuses, tax returns, birthday presents, bought older cars, etc. in a quest for down payment funds. 

Looking for bonus deprecation, cost seg, Airbnb business (I have a unit) answers etc. 

(and the sub section on REAL ESTATE MARKETING TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY TAXES & ACCOUNTING LEGAL TEAM)Bonus for the weekend, my collection for starters (read the comments too, and then if you like the author, go check out what else they wrote):https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/stages-of-investing/-https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/newbies-learn-real-estate-investing/-https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/5-ways-to-know-youre-not-ready-to-invest/-https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/ideal-vs-desperate-investor/-https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/how-much-to-offer-property/-https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/hazardous-attitudes-of-investors/-https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2016/05/31/21-traits-scammy-real-estate-investment-guru/-https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/youre-not-cut-out-to-be-real-estate-investor/-https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/questions-new-investors-should-ask/If this not enough to get you started and keep you busy ...let me know and I'll send you a list of blogs, podcasts, and books. 

(opinion bonus) Is it worth the extra $2,000-2500 to hire two attorneys in two states to set up these LLCs/OAs versus utilizing some services I see where it can be set up for about $200 each if you add in EIN/OA work and maybe $125/year for registered agent in that state?

I have been for several years looking at real estate as a way to generate passive free cash flow and hopefully find a process where I can pour my bonus money each year into new deals.

In fact it's a bonus for the landlord.

Bonus: my sister is house hacking a triplex near Lake of the Isles, and I can start with neighborhoods where I already have basic local knowledge. 

I would consider lowering the price or offering some bonuses like 50% off the second month's rent to make your property stand out from the crowd.

You don't need to use it all but the maximum amount available is a bonus.

@Kevin Wareham  To add to what @Chris Mason said, you could also look into section 179 and bonus depreciation where you depreciate the entire cost of something in one year, instead of spreading it out over several years.