When I pay down the loan faster than 30 years, the way I look at it is my principal payment is basically saving me interest expense. 

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

I have about 25000 saved up and I'm living at home for free how much of that should I spend on a property or save.How does someone truly manage a property "effectively" from a distance? 

Most property owners that get into the start of foreclosure sell before it becomes REO...the internet makes it much easier for owners to sell instead of take the foreclosure route.

How far would they have to go to save a significant enough amount to make the work worth it?

In fact, I just originated a loan with a loan officer at the 4th bank in which we've originated loans together & now originate $8M loans with bankers who originated $80K loans for me when I started.

@Alan AsriantsIf you are occupying your home, your should apply for homestead and save some money on your taxes.

Then look for software that solves those problems for you.When I first started managing, I needed software that could simplify accounting and track work orders.

If your rate is higher simply refinance it if rates drop and just save all those “aggressive payments” to then invest with. $170,000ish should be plenty to help you buy your first rental maybe less and then you can get started faster than the timeline of spending 1.5 years paying off your mortgage first.

You can start to shop for lenders at anytime.