so you save on any commissions, etc? 

I am just wondering what should I be doing next as far as taxes, savings, investing, and reading.

I am basically the traditional Asian family that spent my entire life saving money and purchasing a place in New York City, and after trying to survive for a while I find it too hard now that it’s 2 people and decided to move back to my hometown and do some investing looking for cash flow in particular.

And consider that if they had put the money in a good MM, they would be getting 5+% right now

AVOID syndicators (who will happily take your money).

This could be a huge expense if I run into roof damage but it doesn't appear I can take it off (it comes with a $22 savings which I'd happily remove to have replacement cost).

USBank has one of the best rates for high yield savings.

She had some money saved but nowhere near enough to buy a new car.

I would use that as a potential guidemap as to where you may need to spend some money. 

I personally do hard money lending and investing in the city.