There are a couple of false statements regarding tax in your post...Before those are addressed...what are you trying to achieve?

You have to start on them as early as possible to achieve them!  

I am absolutely positive real estate investing is how I want to achieve financial freedom, and ultimately, the life I want. 

May be a good hybrid solution to ease the tax filing fees while still achieving asset protection?

Having five properties and seventeen years of experience behind you will allow you to retire from your job accounting and allow you to achieve financial freedom through real estate: wholesale, flipping, or simple turnkey strategies included.

Buy something at retail and do some improvements, barely achieve the 1% rule, but hope to sell it in a year after I do much more marketing, and in the meantime make a bit of cash flow.

Once you've done that, you can then identify the markets that will let you achieve your goals.

Then start backing out your costs to get there until you arrive at your purchase price you can pay to achieve those returns.

If the Senate remains in Republican control, getting new tax legislation passed without many compromises may be difficult to achieve.

@Terri StingleyDefine your "why", your goals, and create a plan to achieve them.Educate yourself through books, podcasts, seminars, and any other resources.Pick the best investing strategy for you.Take action consistently that will get you closer to achieving your goals.Never stop learning and network with other investors.