How about a  job in the real estate industry both to accumulate capital and gain experience? 

In our experience (Keyrenter has the lowest eviction rate in the industry, at .03% nationwide!)

I'm going to be honest, it is kind of scary venturing into unfamiliar territory, after 19 years in the home health industry, but being part of Bigger Pockets gives me the confidence necessary to not give up or slow down. 

Try to find some industry commercial deal Analysis data but most of them are for muti family .

Just because you come to terms on price you do have to also do due diligence before you sign the contract and become exclusive.  

Your brother-in-law’s 10% ownership won’t affect your ability to claim this exclusion on your portion.Unfortunately, the option to roll proceeds into another property (like a 1031 exchange) only applies to investment properties, not personal residences.You’re likely eligible for the exclusion, but I recommend confirming with a Tennessee tax professional for any specific state tax issues and to verify your status with overseas residency.Let me know if you need more guidance on this or related financing!

My practice area ties heavily into the real estate industry and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on ways to build my referral network both in law and real estate as I plan to do some heavy real estate investing in the near future. 

From a sales perspective, if you're married ($500k) or if single ($250k), you'd have a portion of the exclusion (%50) assuming the square footage is the same for each unit (assuming a duplex)The remainder (%50) could be 1031 exchanged into another property tax deferred. 

For example we write exclusive use of the rental property includes use on two sides to the tree line, on one side to the rock wall and to the front curb. 

Capital gain can be avoided by using sec 121 home exclusion (upto certain limit).