What books would you recommend for someone who’s just starting out?

BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

Our kids are really young, we would like to put the LLCs in a trust to avoid probate, what do you guys recommend?

I would greatly appreciate any guidance, resources, or recommendations you may have for someone in my position.

I plan to use a HELOC but would be interested in the thoughts of others in BPs on this approach or recommendations if there are other ways to financing that I should consider.

I use trezor hardware wallet I highly recommend it. 

I understand business is slow right now relative to recent years, I'd recommend you get a better grip on being a REI agent.

It's hard to give any recommendations without any specific questions/real numbers.

@Isaac Terry Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

I’d recommend connecting with an investor-friendly agent in DFW to find off-market deals or fixer-uppers within your budget.