There are so many plays to run in this game I don't have time to type them all. 

.: I always play it by ear.

Step up in basis to reduce your heirs' taxes and morePlus the real estate tax "deferral" can end up being permanent if played correctly

Suggest you get your game plan in place first then go forward once you have the goal in sight.

My biggest goal for this year is just to get into the game of real estate 

You will not have the rate long enough for it to interfere with your current and proposed profits.This is where having a good team comes into play for example having a seasoned realtor who knows the market on the purchase/ARV side.

Is there any place on this website that that focuses on investors that got in the game late.

Hi John,I like playing with raw land, too, in Snohomish county, WA, just north of Seattle. 

I look for density plays that can be executed in an infill setting.

I highly recommend you play with that tool to start getting an understanding of what things you can do to positively affect your credit!