I encourage my tenants to actively report everything that needs maintenance.  

That can play a role in aquiring favorable terms. 

She is active in that market. 

Florida states define unlicensed real estate activity as a 3rd degree felony.

Hire the very best people you can to advise you based on your exact situation and circumstances and then let them help you implement a solid tax strategy that makes sense for you.Regardless of your position and role, this is without a doubt one of the highest leverage activities that you can do.Remember, it's not just about what you make, it's about what you keep in the end that matters most.

There are over 20 active CPAs here in Biggerpockets assisting RE investors with their tax planning.

From construction I have moved over to corporate, working in IT, but I am seriously looking for my way out as there isnt any satisfaction at my current role. 

Every contact you know that actively does REI is your new best friend.

I'm 24 and have a steady positive cash flow from my active income (a full-time job).

To me using low-interest leverage is the best thing about investing in real estate, as well as forcing appreciation but that is a more active strategy than most comparable investments.