Some people have told me that the government requires you to live in that property for 6 months.

I am joining BiggerPockets to obtain and further enhance my knowledge regarding Real Estate practices as well as meeting new faces that I can hope to provide assistance of my own as well as gain knowledge from them and their experiences.My expertise includes being involved in Public Relations and having worked in the Public Sector for many years.

Please share information about potential sellers, property management companies, lawyers, government officials & etc.

I think that San Antonio will be a good place to be for years depending on any changes that the government does in the future.Since you and your wife are working you might consider financing good people that have been turned down by conventional financing that are still good.  

Look at the managers for both sectors; look at the amount of work that you will be doing- pick the option that allows you to learn as much as possible and develop your skills as a real estate professional (the job/manager that is fun might not be the best for you to grow). 

Additionally there are government programs to at least mitigate the effect of temporarily being unemployed, however there are no government programs to help you recoup a failed investment.2. 

I have zero experience in real estate, but I can honestly say nothing has gotten and held my attention more than this subject.I am a management & program analyst with the federal government right now.

I have worked in Fl. as a government and private contractor so I know the prices there.

My sister does not declare depreciation on her rental because she is "as good or better at filling out the taxes as most CPAs" and "the government always gets paid."

After that's paid, I'd do the same with the government student loan.  4.