So I'd like to accomplish 3 things here:1) minimize my tax burden for 20162) start investing in rental properties3) make my wife happy with the purchase of a new home for our familyMy wife and I own one home; our current residence which we bought for $160k.

That is probably the shortest path to accomplish the goal here.  

Does anybody have any proven strategies to accomplish this?

I am not trying to brag about our accomplishments as we are really beginners, but I hear we should share our experiance.

My ultimate goal is to achieve financial freedom (which I define as not having to work if I decide I don't want to), and I believe real estate is the best option to accomplish that.

This can make investing in these areas incredibly risky, which is not what we are attempting to accomplish for our out-of-state investors. 

In only a few short years you accomplished what you set out to do...convince your wife it works, bought an investment property, improved your credit with on time payments, and time to do it again! 

I am increasing my educational level, so I can pick the correct strategy for what goals I intend to accomplish.

There are A LOT of people out there who are in need of help and will pay a premium for service to accomplish their goals.If you do not value a broker/agent just get an attorney to help you with the docs.

Did you accomplish your goal?