If you are socially awkward then make some friends on here (;Another quick and cheap way to start getting your feet wet is Drive for Dollars.

You should start with a website and have all the basic/known Social Media palforms i.e.

I tend to think that's a phenomena that you will see more often in 2015.  2015 is being described as the "Year of The Social Comment".  

It's not impossible to succeed without a plan, but it would be like trying to run to the finish line in the dark, hoping that you don't collide into obstacles or fall into a trap on the way. 

I do not have much to offer in return besides low level marketing via social networking.

Form asks for my name and my social security number.Thanks

Craigslist, Backpage, and social networks are free to market on.

One of my biggest obstacles is that I am unsure how to properly estimate expenses such as insurance, maintenance, what to budget for vacancy etc.

I have a background in computer programming, website design and social media marketing.

Just know that it will come down to social media, seo, blogging and video marketing.