It is always best to include a website and a local phone number on the postcards as well to maximize your responses.

Of course I will make errors but how do I minimize the downside and maximize the upsideWhat folks books videos are recommended to start this journey

Matthew, I suggest you just open regular IRA at Vanguard and invest into one of their index funds, maximize your contributions for the next few years and once you have a sizable amount then you can reconsider SD IRA.  

Done right with the right investments over the next 10 yrs I can see myself maximizing the new IRA while also building a new 401 or deciding to not contribute and use the funds for out of retirement plan investments.

Agree with @Andrew Johnson that you are crazy not to maximize your tax deductions through real estate debt, especially with low interest rates and am presuming stellar credit.

Which is not that great, but if you're going to park it at least maximize returns. parking in a big 4 bank earning .05% is not a good decision.

It's also why I think it's important to maximize investment in paper through Roth 401k/IRAs (zero tax on gains).

You are thinking outside the box, and wanting to take your limited resources and maximize them. 

She needs at least three open accounts to maximize her FICO score.

Maximizing your equity creates personal net worth.