Feel free to reply here or reach out directly.

If at some point you feel like tapping into my wider network—I’m based in Scottsdale but have threads of connection in San Antonio and beyond—just say the word.

Once you feel like you're ready to dive in, house hacking a duplex/triplex is a great start getting into investing.

It’s awesome to see how passionate he is, but I’m feeling stuck on what his next steps should be.

Lastly is structures, and to be honest I think we'd probably have to move the needle $100k or so on that item because I have a feeling from what I've seen thus far is these structures are not of the most durable enduring type and I will have some considerable cap-x over 10yr window on them.

You probably had a little tickle in your moral compass which gave you pause, which is why you reached out.My wife is an accountant, when we look for every possible tax break it doesn't feel like theft, we feel accomplished to find a place for more savings and lose zero sleep over it.

Feel free to reach out. 

I feel like its either save now on the down payment, or save as you go on the cheaper monthly payments.

When tenants and owners feel cared for, word spreads.

And if it makes you feel any better you are not the only old newbie here :) I'm in my 50s and just getting started as well.