Ultimately, we've decided to hold off and pay down our outstanding debts and save for a cash down payment on our first rental property.

Every person's choice is own or rent.

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Some clients might not mind meeting you at properties, or you could offer them the choice to either drive themselves or join you in a rideshare, like you mentioned.

It seems like that would be a question to ask the attorney that set up the trust up.Can you not get courtroom legal defense from the attorney that set this up - or is this person just telling you comply with the subpoena you have no choice ? 

Start by reading the Ultimate Real Estate Investing Guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides/ultimate-real-estate-investing-guide/introduction2.

Here are the other choices in this range: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/162-Ash-St-Santa-Rosa-Bea...https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/49-Debbie-Ln-Santa-Rosa-B...https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/70-Pointe-Cir-Santa-Rosa-...https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/429-Montigo-Ave-Santa-Rosa-Beach-FL-32459/67187461_zpid/?

My main concern is regarding cost-basis and future capital gains tax when I ultimately sale the property. 

Remember, if you have a contract and can't ultimately assign to a third-party, you're still responsible for closing on the deal unless you have a way to terminate the contract prior to the closing date using a weasel clause. 

I always stay away from anything that is a personal choice that one buyer may love an another not care for.