The absolute best way to avoid taxes is not earn income.  

He was very successful and wealthy before he started making videos and created a course.Does his course teach you to build a successful business or work hard at a W-2, earn a boatload of money, and then learn for free through a mentor like he did?

Increase your earnings, reduce expenses, save up, and invest.

If your manager is just 'keeping an eye' on things, collecting/reminding on a few rents here and there and some light cleanup while being compensated in free or reduced space rent then classifying them as 1099 subcontractor is great. 

Step up in basis to reduce your heirs' taxes and morePlus the real estate tax "deferral" can end up being permanent if played correctly

Don’t forget, you get all the appreciation without paying taxes while it’s earned.

My agent is saying that we are unable to split the contract that way (or reduce the purchase price), so I'm trying to figure out options.

If the market is tough, I reduce the rent rate over the full 12-month term.

The BEST method for real estate investing is very simple: increase earnings, reduce expenditures, save, and invest from your own funds.You should focus on increasing earnings and learning how to manage your budget.

Relatively small amounts of interest income ($1600+ per year) is the highest taxed form of income I have found if you have kids at home.After earning a few grand in interest, It takes away my child tax credits and gives me an effective tax rate of 70%.