Here are a few ideas on how you can free up you and your wife's time:1) Online portal for all rent payments and maintenance requests (this way everything is organized and handymen can be notified immediately what work is needed to be done and why)2) Set up online billing if you have not done so already, with recurring payments or automatic payments. 3) Hire a virtual assistant(s) to answer calls, make calls, and do other work that anyone can do. 4) Keep track of how you spend your time currently so you know what changes to make first that will have the biggest impact.Thanks!

After listening to countless podcasts, reading tons of books, and spending ~1 month analyzing deals, I feel like I'm ready to make my first move.

I typically spend less than 10 mins per guest from start to finish (inquiry response, payment verifications, instructions, issues, questions, and tax submissions).

Spending an hour with a CPA who understands your overall financial situations would be time well spent, but there are some general rules of thumb:If you hold the asset for less than one year, your profits are considered short term capital gains - which are taxed as ordinary income at your standard tax bracket rate. 

I'm not looking for a long or detailed report, but someone willing to spend an hour or so taking a look for me. 

I wouldn't do it unless there is a benefit to you, IE tenants are getting $300 bills in a 800sqft apt and will move out because of it...It isn't something I've ever really looked for when purchasing a property, and I don't see the benefit of spending $800.

When EVERYONE we talked to said to plan for $12-15k PER MONTH in expenses to have a nurse spend 30 mins a day with my aunt in a home, I was so baffled!

My focus would be on spending all of your spare time in learning about the different investment options, the real estate segments you might be interested in and understanding the trends in each.

We realistically could get away putting window units in to assist the cooling.2.

or try for sale by owner (Craigslist)...We'll explain that there will be more fees involved, and that it will take much longer to sell (especially in this market, compared to a few months ago) - but that if they're not in a rush of any kind, that it's usually their best option...In our experience, the best thing is just to give people real advice, and if you can really help them out - tell them that.Small margins are also tough for rehabbers, who are taking on risks and spending lots of time and money on the rehab.Best,Sean