Since I'm an unlicensed (planning to get licensed in future) what is the best legal advice on tips so I don't make any mistakes starting out. 

I give a lot of tips and tricks.  

It sounds like you've already got a good start and done a great deal of research.A great place to start is https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-events-and-happenings which you can use to find like-minded people in your area.You'll find some helpful tips at https://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere.

I have a couple pieces of advice but could write a laundry list of tips.

These are great tips, and I appreciate them! 

Dallas looks generally very expensive-- are there any tips/tricks that people are using to still get a lot out of the game here?

In the end this is an eye opening experience and lesson in making sure everyone’s credit scores are tip top.

Who knows ‐ maybe someone will have a tip or pointer that saves/makes you more money or helpa you reach a goal.I agree with you though, there are waaaay too many knuckleheads on this site these days.

there are plenty of baltimore agents in the forums that could easily answer any questions you have. if you have "baltimore" as a keyword alert (that would be a pro tip for you to see everything that comes up related to baltimore), you'll see those same agents habitually comment on associated threads.

What is your best tip for a new investor?