There is probably an easy yes or no answer to this, but I can't find it anywhere online or in my Nolo books: if I have repair costs "incurred" prior to me putting a rental into service, but were actually paid with cash after the rental was put into service, do I still capitalize them along with the purchase price and then depreciate? 

Where is the best online website and gurus to learn the business from

Not every investor is suited to be a landlord in every possible neighborhood.If the reality of a stolen meter surprises and rattles you, I think you are probably better suited for being a landlord in other types of neighborhoods. well put and many West coast investors don't realize this until they already own them  and boy you should have heard the Austrialian investors.. they could not understand why their rent was not ACH into the account on the 2nd.. when they learned that most of their tenants did not have checking accounts.. you could see their chins drop they simply cant understand how that can be.. when in their country banking is all electronic and no checks are used or money orders etc.. its all on line.

Anyways the rental only produces 950/mo and really only floats the rental mortgage and is used for storing tools in garages.

Anther good one is available here on Bigger Pockets through the store tab, The Book on Flipping Houses by Jay Scott.

Prequalify them [ really not just ask them do they want to buy a house but full 1003].Then take the ready buyers list and market to all sellers that fit that criteria - via online, email, direct mail, FaceBook, door knock etc.

Nothing you read or google online can teach you. 

@Manasa Srinath Agree with the comments on timing and # of rentals coming online. 

I've read all the books, listened to most of the BP podcasts, and have spent considerable time doing research online.2 years ago I purchased my primary residence where I live in California and now I'm trying to purchase my first rental.

This is probably the best way to get online exposure.