I was getting eaten alive in interest.But it gets worse, I was self funding my wedding and honeymoon so I put that on credit as well. 

Or find a great deal and partner with a pro/mentor in you local area.The theme being, if you find a great deal you will be able to get into it with limited money.  

I earn money paying off the mortgage, increasing the value of the property by theming and improving the property, building a clientele, getting high rates, etc.I automate and use good process. 

There's a local STR pro that buys large, luxury homes and rents them STR as event homes for the Festivals, Tennis tourney, weddings, etc.

Attorney has sent them the common roommate lease which they are not signing, still pushing w the rooming/boarding house theme (they all confirmed over text before moving in they understand the room rental situation and ok with it). 

I'm getting married in July and my fiance and I have set a goal to buy our first rental property within our first year of marriage as our "Anniversary/wedding gift" to ourselves.

One of my close friends (best man at my wedding) have me $30k as a gift.

Hey Alan Howard,  There is a meetup in Battle Creek on Wed evenings. 

Also, natural disasters seem to be the other theme of the past few years.

Including only things that are "In Play" investmentwise.Leaving things out such as your wife's wedding ring, jewelry, your personal home(s), personal vehicle(s), boat, snowmobile, camper, personal cash reserves, etc...It depends on what you want to see decisionwise.Good Luck!