What are some low tech systems (preferably no cost) or hacks have you found most valuable when managing your real estate business? 

My motto has always been, "Learn the game and play aggressively".... so that's what I am doing

It'd be a different ball game if you put a down payment of 5% and rents went down by $300. 

@Vernell D Watson   having a license on Virginia and Florida and flipping, wholesaling, holding properties since 20069 I have not get any issue yet, I do disclosure that I have a license in front,  regarding commision,  depends,  if the deal makes sense, I prefer to give up the commision and get the deal,  but if  the deal is big I do work out the commission.   

I would then try to locate the owner and do anything necessary to get them to sell to me preferably with owner financing.

My preference is for residential multi-family at the moment.

Trust me, I know it's very possible and I know that's the main battle in this game.

Thank you for your response and yes im a new to the real estate game.

I am actually staying in an AirBnB this summer with my wife and her parents to show them my hometown (hopefully there is a Sox game then!). 

I grew up broke and promised myself that when I grew up and had a family of my own that it will never happen to them.I'm new to the real estate game.