Are there some other ways I can offset the rental income so we do not have a big tax bill from the gains?

By adopting the house-hacking method—living in one unit while renting out the others—we plan for the tenants to cover the mortgage and gain valuable property management experience.

But have you gained anything? 

On our recent fund when we sell off the performing notes in year 5, that will be a capital gain from the difference from the adjusted cost basis of the assets to the net sales income, but the income to our fund members from the loan payments up to that point will be ordinary income. 

Most important thing is gaining enough knowledge to be able to purchase properties that's going to add value to the next few years of my life and my kids 

Ok, if it's still sounding do-able, the next issue is that section 179 can't be used to create a business loss, so it would only reduce your taxes for the year if your rentals are operating as a taxable gain (but rentals are often at a tax loss thanks to depreciation).  

To gain investor confidence, ensure the investment property numbers are real, use the most common contract forms in your state (versus a 2 or 3-page) internet/guru contract form) with appropriate addenda, or an attorney-drafted form and attorney-drafted assignment agreement.

Headquartering business in CA has tarnished, and too is being assaulted like never before, and gaining traction.

A deal killer has nothing to gain from telling you it's a bad deal.

This risk here far outweighs any small gains in ranking.