Someone making 100k to 150k a year might see being a syndicator and quitting the job sooner as a bonus.

I am keen on STR for now due to bonus depreciation.  

We can owner-build in Coconino County, so that's a bonus but it's so time consuming going back and forth with the county on each baby step.

I will have a bit more of a financial cushion when MBO bonuses at the company I currently work for are awarded, more time to research, plan, network and connect, and overall more prepared in general.Lastly, any books, podcast #s, or any insight on finding good deals in the dfw for a rookie in the area?

I also recommend setting aside a portion of your income automatically, every month; we used bonus money and tax returns, plus tax free from deployments.  

Unless the company has cash on hand to carry such liabilities, it's probably better to stay with profits being split as earrned.If you had a salary and then paid bonuses in good times, you would not be any better off and having salaries could give you a tax issue, like paying unemployment taxes as opposed to passive income.

Wealthfront savings account 4.55%...5.05% for three months with a referral bonus...FDIC insured up to $5 million.

We are tempted to increase curb appeal. landscaping and facade improvement to generate more interest.  2,500 4/3 mother in law bonus. it looks like maybe 20-25k. concerned about recouping.

You also may want to look into bonus depreciation options. 

There are no house hack deals unless you want to do a ton of work so you often will need to overpay, in theory, and try to live in the smallest unit or bonus unit to cash flow the majority of the property.