The experience I gained as a landlord will be invaluable for the rest of my investing career.

You have started on the right track, by engaging in studies of REI, listening to the podcasts to gain additional knowledge and understanding of this expansive field with various niches.Yes, it's challenging to have a full time job and do REI part time.

If you sell your home in the spring you will have to pay taxes on the capital gains since you have been there for less than two years.

This is a business, gift cards are marketing, you market to gain new customers, once your customer is buying your product it's a waste of money to keep marketing to them, they are already buying what you are selling. 

I took this position to gain the knowledge I need to start investing myself.  

I look forward to gaining knowledge and making valuable connections on BP. 

You can be your own general contractor and sub out the work; that way you gain contacts in the contractors' field and can pick the best for continuing maintenance on the property.  

Not sure how to structure to gain the highest tax advantage and long term income for retirement. 

What has changed materially is for investors to gain access to direct placements in individual projects nationwide using technology and for operators and platforms to be able to advertise their offerings generally.  

I think it is a way to gain financial freedom over time and that is my goal.