I would like to say I can help shoot you in the right direction!

If the landlord isn't offering any commissions, then the tenant has to pay you and you negotiate that fee directly with them and it can be a flat-rate, a percentage of the lease amount, etc. 

The best deals are going to be sourced by local agents in your target areas that focus on investment properties and have the local knowledge/direct to seller connects

The paralysis by analysis stage is always the toughest phase to break past but once you apply the action with the knowledge you have, you will learn that it's not as scary as you once thought.

Then follow those concerns with solutions, such as having a system in place for tenants to make maintenance requests (including in emergencies), why all of your spare time won't be consumed by these investments, being properly insured against hazards, etc.Your wife doesn't have to be passionate about real estate like you are but if you address the concerns upfront, it's much easier to get the ball rolling in the right direction.

To calculate your land value, take into consideration the average price per square foot or acre of the comps and apply that to your land.Steps to apply comps to your property:1) Compile multiple comps: Find a real estate agent to help you put together a list of comparable properties.2) Make adjustments: Analyze each comp carefully to determine whether it has advantages or disadvantages when compared to your property and make adjustments to the value upwards or downwards as necessary.3) Determine the use of weighted average vs average: Depending on how close the comps are to your specific property; you may consider utilizing the weighted average method to place a greater weight on those properties that more closely resemble yours.Using comps to value your land can add a component of complexity and subjectivity.

I should probably try to do this on my own, so I'm leaning in that direction.

These are just tips and examples to get you thinking in the direction I took and maybe you'll see a path.  

Airdna is not just based off algorithm but actually data pulled directly from Airbnb/VRBO, which hosts agree to sharing when they list on the sites.

It's like making a deal directly with the seller instead of going for a regular mortgage.