I watch biggerpockets videos religiously and can’t wait to apply for the skill bridge program soon!

Time spent reading biggerpockets, browsing the MLS, crunching numbers on potential properties, watching RE videos on YouTube...those are not rental real estate trade or business hours.Hours spent bookkeeping for the rental, interfacing with your PM, interfacing with contractors, interfacing with tenants, etc are generally ordinary and necessary rental real estate trade or business functions.Income tax law is complex. 

I’ve watched videos and have heard it’s a good idea to work as an assistant for an existing realtor to learn the business but I have no idea how to do that.

Start reading, researching, watching videos, going to meetups, etc.

Context: Property is in Florida, my mother-in-law is moving in and doesn't need to move in immediately (she is flexible), the guy who texted me is not a good apple (the only reason I rented to them is because the girl is responsible). 

most of my time has been reading threads in this section and watching Johns videos 

Every video I watched on BP mentioned hard money and refi 6-12 months later that way they don’t have to bring any money to the deal.

I'd suggest watching the rainwater during a downpour to see obvious issues that you won't observe when it's dry.

Furthermore, I have listened to multiple podcasts, and watched countless videos as well.

I wouldn’t have a person in the house watching over everyone.