Those are just some options of cheaper markets and all have airports to fly into to make an easier commute. 

For example, say I were to pay myself a salary of 15k annually for property management, I could contribute this 15k to a solo 401k and decrease my overall taxable income by 15k?

Problem is they are looking on the cheaper end , less than $ 375,000. 

Cash is cheaper.

The problem is that I'd have to hire a cheaper manager, cheaper maintenance, cut marketing, do less remodeling, etc.

The cost of living on campus isn't getting cheaper.

From the standpoint of building wealth as a younger investor utilizing a taxable account, it seems that investment properties offer better opportunity early on because (i) they can be used for leverage and (ii) depreciation creates tax advantages that go unrealized in a non-taxable account (i.e., a self-directed IRA).

A minimum tax of $100 is due, but you may owe more depending on your federal taxable income and your net worth.

I will update my spreadsheet to try and auto calculate how much income is taxable thats a great point.

Farm Bureau ins 529/yr (cheaper than it should be, imo).