Begin by educating yourself through books like The House Hacking Strategy and podcasts like BiggerPockets, and join online communities for support.

Management treats line employees quite poorly and lying is just part of the job.

Check out other online guides available here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides3.

Don't pile on risk at 21 y/o. 

Set a clear goal for your first property, find a mentor, and keep educating yourself—you're on the right path!

She placed my wife and my wife's siblings as remaindermen on a life estate deed on my mother-in-laws home.

Be careful following the advice of strangers on the information superhighway.

Good luck on your journey!

Are there any pushbacks on this deal?  

@John Zhang If your wife qualifies for Real Estate Professional Status (REPS) and materially participates in managing rental properties, there is no limit on the amount of rental losses, including depreciation, that can offset your W-2 income.