I use them for 1040 prep, but that's it.Separately,  I have a Japanese CPA who helps with my J-taxes. 

As a newbie, my first question is around how to start out.What is the best type of business for Real Estate Investing to get the best tax break?

I agree with the cost of high taxes it's hard to make a profit but not impossible.

Keep your investment safe by talking to a lawyer, spreading your money around, and trying to have some say in how things go.

Multiple, billion dollar companies are investing into our area, such as Intel, Google, and Amazon, due to reasons such as lower costs on land, great tax abatement opportunities, and an attractive cost of living for employees.

However, I usually keep depreciation off the balance sheet until I can see the tax return and I go back and add it for the previous year.

Low property value and amount financed, escrows ( I don't consider as you have to pay tax and insurance anyhow), origination fees because of the low dollar amount

Look at KKOS Lawyers.  

PM me, I have a 1st NPL in SC I am selling off and may have others soonNo second, taxes current

It will be almost impossible to lose the property and the cash flow will still be at least slightly tax advantaged because of depreciation.