As a starting point: -If they work full time and make $700k a year -Don't want to or can't spend time self managing a short-term rental -Don't have a spouse who wants to take the lead on managing the rentals They are likely not going to directly reduce their taxable income with real estate year-to-year. 

The entire focus is on new people because they spend on more.4.

You need to remember that, hopefully, this is a long-term play for you, so work with a trusted STR designer (I have great recommendations), and spend the money upfront so you can be the most successful in your area.

We plan to spend the next 6-12 months continuing to earn and save, as well as nail down a final market we want to househack in.

We've been reading everything we can get our hands on, listening to podcasts, and spending time every morning reading and learning from the forums here at BP. 

A common bit of advice seen on this site is, "Don't spend $20K on a mentoring program when you could spend that money on your first deal and you'll learn much more."

The $200 you spend will help with your learning curve which you do not want to get from the CPA at $350/hr.

I’m based out of Lehi, Utah, and have always been fascinated by the potential of real estate to create opportunities and build wealth.After spending time learning about the industry and what it takes to succeed, I’m ready to dive in and start making deals happen!

If you are able to manage it yourself, I think you will get a lot of very helpful education in real estate by spending a least a year or two doing that.You'll be able to work with property managers a lot better if you've done the work yourself for a bit, and it also helps to get familiar with the various laws and regulations you have to comply with as the owner, even if you do have a property manager in place (e.g., the new RI rental registry and associated lead paint inspections/certificates).It's up to you whether you're able to do it, but I think you'll get a lot out of the experience if you can try it for a year or two.

If your time is worth $500 an hour I would spend the 5k on 10 hours of searching for a free mentor.