There were times that I was bringing in funds that I had just earned/collected myself to make my payments. 

I am the only W-2 earning in my house hold between my wife and 2 little children.  

Looking at properties online (MLS, Auction Sites, etc), physically looking at properties in consideration, putting in offers, going to closings, meeting contractors, checking progress on projects, going to RE meets, going to RE seminars, driving time to these events and locations?

This means reaching out to people online, going to local meetups, and getting to make friends with as many people as possible.

So we came across the online tool to farm for properties.

At first, I was looking on the counties online public record but unfortunately I will have to search for individual addresses and after doing some more research I came across that is possible to get a listing through the MRIS.

I have seen online banks that yield 1.5% APY.

When I don't know something I just look it up from reputable sources online and also quite a few of my college roommates work in finance and can get answers on things like Libor nuances for example.

Take the course (in person or online if its offered) and then practice the end of chapter tests until your eyes bleed. 

And that would lead to my best suggestion for cutting costs: Let someone else (a mail house or an online outfit like Click2Mail) perform the labor tasks for you.