You're on a great track - best of luck and definitely utilize BP as much as possible! 

My goal, over the next five years, is to utilize real estate in lieu of my current hourly consulting income, by building a portfolio of rentals.  

I work a full time job at a wood shop building custom cabinetry.

I recently used it to generate custom images for my STR coaching Powerpoint material. 

Since I was only filing on major things like underground utilities, fires, etc.

She would fight with her boyfriend and customers on the sidewalk in front of my house.

To minimize capital gains tax on the sale of their primary residence, your in-laws can utilize the $500,000 capital gains exclusion, potentially explore an installment sale to spread tax liability over several years, or consider converting the property into a rental to use a 1031 exchange for tax deferral eventually.

Replacement homes will be climate hardened, smaller, functional and include consideration for the type of infrastructure, architecture and sustainable/durable materials utilized. 

Most likely raising funds from passive investors would utilize a Reg D 506 b or c safe harbor exemption from registration.  

Another option would be to utilize a property manager to manage everything and keep a buffer between you and the tenants.