Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

Facebook .......... " Is this still available ?

They can also help navigate any IRS regulations related to co-ownership and rental arrangements with family members.Investing in specialized tax advice can help ensure you’re fully compliant and making the most of any available tax benefits.Hope this helps! 

What’s more frustrating is the complete lack of available support.

I am glad that I did not because there are numerous other resources available to help get you started. 

A streamlined process for cost segregation studies: AI is able to help streamline the cost segregation reclassifications by analyzing and identifying property components into their appropriate useful life more efficiently than traditional methods.The ability to identify eligible tax credits: AI is able to sort through and analyze a vast amount of tax laws and regulations in order to attempt to identify potential tax credits available to the real estate investor.

Everything you need to learn is available for free and the rest is up to you to put in the work.

I was thinking I'd buy an acre of land that has city electricy and water available, and pay that off so that it can be used for collateral one house at a time.  

While this is a lot of money, most any mid-career professional likely has that available to invest (maybe not liquid today, but in general).  

Check out other online guides available here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides3.