For example, MEP plans are not required for permitting, but if you are designing a complicated house, having a MEP plan certainly helps to guide the trades to know exactly how and where to install the fixtures, versus something they have to figure it out impromptu in the field.

So if you can trade off some cash flow subsidies for her, you will make it up in appreciation as there is still so much land there. 

You're not trading, you're investing. 

when it comes to the investment side I have chosen to largely remain passive investing in REIT's or other publicly traded options.

If you're really serious about this, then I think selling your paid off car, trading out of the truck for a more economical vehicle, and using a contract or two to funnel money into those credit cards is the move.Keep at it Steve!

Though my years of hiring trades to work on my rental and friends/ family/ clients properties I have had it good and bad experiences.

I am a business broker by trade but I am looking to get into multi family syndication.

Your family may also benefit from helping and learning tricks of the trade.

Some of my best strategies have been:- Home Depot parking lot early in the morning- new subdivisions, new trades on display every day- local REIA clubs

No big, national, publicly traded banks will do this loan type.