I'm guessing I should look for a decent job to support my self while learning with the first couple properties, but until then what can I do in the mean time to get the best start.I am working on getting some of the books so I have reading material this winter, but other than that what should/could I be doing?

Knowing nothing about your market, if you have done a good job screening and lacing your new tenants, the market clearly supports rents at the $700 price level - now it's time to get a plan in place to get the rest of the occupants up to this level.Consider making a plan for getting the rents to market level over the course of six months or a year - whatever time period best suits your risk tolerance and go for it.  

As well as just being listed too high where a right priced rehab and comps wouldnt support the listing price, but someone out there is still buying them. 

If you're submitting an offer for a client or for yourself this week, remind the seller of that! 

We live in Elk River and she has helped quite a few clients build in the elk river area.

My question is that is it an industry standard for structural engineering firms who draw up the architectural plans for the work to require clients to agree to limit the firm's liability to $20,000?

I don't really have advice for you, just support, and empathy.

The only way I could figure out monthly payments through the website was with PayPal which neither offers ACH nor the client paying the processing fee.

Our clients will be treated with the care and respect they deserve.

This being said some CPA do not like real estate and do not know how to handle it for their clients.