We are motivated and dedicated to getting this started,  but we can't get past the first step of getting our first deal. 

There are many sites which I know of in which you can pay either a per list fee, or a subscription fee, to have access to motivated seller lists.My question is does anyone have any recommendations for ways to obtain these lists that may be more affordable?

If you can identify what the seller's motivations are (easier said than done), then you'll be heading in the right direction towards getting a deal.If you can close quickly with cash and no or few contingencies, you can usually get a better deal on a home than someone with traditional financing that takes 30-60 days to close.To answer your questions:1.

The goal is just to get in front of someone in person (or via zoom) to determine how motivated they are.

Cold calling, ringless voicemail,texting?

I am highly motivated to buy a property in the next 30 days. 

My wife and I are motivated and excited to be real estate investors.

I'll give you a text/call shortly so I could formaly introduce myself to you. 

I'm not a CPA  https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2002/oct/thehomesalegainexclusion.html#:~:text=If%20a%20taxpayer%20owns%20two,during%20the%20five%2Dyear%20period.

Our new tenant moved in one of our triplexes and the day she moved in, sent us a text asking if her son and his girlfriend who is expecting a baby in a few months, could move in for a few weeks.