I am however, a total newbie when it comes to real estate investing and it would be my first rental.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Feel free to reach out to me if you have more questions, we can talk about those options. 

ESA's generally are not service animals and these are generally fake certifications that are abused by people to get free accommodations for their pets.

For more info on Subject To, see Using Subject To, to Get "Free" Properties https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/311/topics/1060320-using-subject-to-to-get-free-properties-a-quick-guideline 

You also have to explore the STR versus LTR in that area to see which may offer a great NOI.If you ever have any specific questions feel free to reach out I enjoy helping and talking REI.

When discussing the same with clients, I look at what the overall market value is of all rentals (or potential rentals) in a given LLC, the total debt (if any) of the LLC, and what the individual owner(s) net worth is. 

Both are free (included in subscription) and use Stripe to collect payments.

Even if the tree sits on their side of the property you are free to trim the trees that overhangs on your side of the property any way you like.  

You want free and accurate tax advice from complete stranger on the internet