If someone does the work to generate a meaningful question, I wish there was more respect given to those folks. 

As a newbie, it is easy, and common, to head down multiple paths chasing shiny bright objects, with many of those paths just leading to time wasting and increased experience in learning what you don't want to do.

There are good value deals in your market if you search hard and long enough, it sounds like your lead source could be revamped in my opinion.

Maybe start finding deals to wholesale, which will sharpen your deal evaluation skills and generate cash for future investments.If you find really good eals, you could even require that you participate or get a piece of the deal.

The reports you can create with Stessa, such as an Income Statement, Balance Sheet, etc, are similar to the kinds of reports accountants are used to working with since other finance/rental software also generate very similar types of reports.  

The second piece is whether or not you pass the Material Participation Tests found in IRC 469 and the third piece is whether your participation rises to the level of Substantial Services (think hotel, B&B).4) My CPA Says I can't deduct a loss that was generated! 

We currently have one rental property that is fully paid off, generating $2,150 per month in income, with expenses around $1,000.

Flippers will have to price in these added expenses to maintain their margins, leading to lower offers on distressed properties.

His wife who is in college for a degree that will lead to a great job with great pay when she graduates in June, now has full rent to pay, plus the cost of raising 6 kids by herself. 

You can then export those leads into a list.