Specifically, I would have some plan of attacking the tax assessment. 

Hello BP,Last night I came across a good deal where I feel this can be a great opportunity to acquire my first rental but wanted more insight heres the breakdown:The property is located in the city where there is some crime but the address is on a decent streetIt is turnkey with current tenants paying 1125/monthTax assessed at 30k, the seller is asking for 24kIt is a 5br 2bth home I am assuming it needs no work since its currently rented, should I attack this deal or walk away?

Where ever there is a deal i attack! 

Displaying their name/photo and publicly releasing their opportunity's details, be it lending, a property, education, etc, so the community here can "attack" or rather provide feedback is a sign that a person is someone to trust.

Tenants are not allowed to "attack" their landlord's title. 

Attack your weakness.

I have NEVER had a plan of attack. 

ALL Rental property owners must act now.If you are thinking of getting into the rental game you better call or email now as well.Raise your voice and speak out against this outrageous and targeted attack against rental housing providers and the right to control your investment.Please call or email and let your elected officials know how you feel.I can't post emails or tel #'s, sorry!

Wondering if the important thing for someone in my situation is to focus on paying this all off and getting back to zero, or if it could be beneficial for me to save towards that first purchase, while taking longer to attack my loans. 

They will likely "attack" your mother, calling her greedy, selfish, etc.