But ya have to make some educated prognostications in life.Add this to the information your processing - What your talking about doing is eliminating around $4000 or interest expense (which is deductible anyway so really could be a real impact of eliminating $2800 or so) of debt in exchange for paying over $10K in capital gains tax (don't forget possible state gains tax as well).  

Your a licensed R.E. agent, that is NOT a solo thing, it means your an extension of that broker, and anything you do in Real Estate has possible MAJOR implications from both the broker and or real estate regulatory boards. 

This works with any type of appreciating property such as real estate, stocks, etcDepending on the appreciation rate, you can potentially see asset values double every 7-14 years.Likely around 7 years if the appreciation rate is 8%Likely around 14 years if the appreciation rate is 4%If you buy something for $100,000 and it appreciates to $200,000, you can potentially take a loan on the $100,000 appreciation which would not be considered a taxable event.However, be mindful that you are paying interest on the loan and you have to payback the loan but yes, it would not add on to your taxable income.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Quote from @Havital Miltz: Normally you would set the LLC in the state where the property is.You have no tax benefits for setting up an LLC, it is more a protection from lawsuits and going after your personal assets, however not a guarantee....As a husband and wife you do not need to set up a partnership - IRS has special considerations for married couples for self employment, you could also apply that for a rental...Hope that helpsA joint venture is available to any 2 people co-owning real estate for investment purpose as tenant in common  under Proc. 2002-22 (unrelated to marriage) but it can't be owned in an LLC together. 

Step 2: Narrow down your "buy box" (are you market-indifferent, are you looking for a certain level of cash flow, etc.).Step 3: Connect with real estate agents and begin making offers!

As small businesses, securing funding can be a real challenge.

I have been devouring books by Brandon Turner to get a better grasp on a macro view of the theories of real estate investing .

Pay attention to the details and be organized Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I am Nathan Williams, a real estate agent (and aspiring investor) in the greater Cincinnati area.