New Investor, looking for efficiency and the right tools

[Chris Seals]

40 y/o, married with three kids, software developer by day. After being inspired by entrepreneurial friends I've been blessed to meet in the last 12 months, I've been inspired to change my career course. Software development the last decade or so (and mixed contracting/military before that) has left me wanting something more, something concrete and real. I've also worked from home for the last five years and want to be on the move more. Learning from friends what is possible with real estate has shown me a path to something different. My goal is to steadily complement my current income, and eventually move into real estate in some capacity full-time.

I started by listening to some old Ron Legrand cds (from 2004ish). The overall ideas got me fired up, now I am trying to adapt to 2025 and seeing what's out there to make the job manageable. I've got two small wholesale deals working right now (small rural lots, one with a cabin, another with a trailer) that I'm working to assign. I've inhaled a few books, and one immediate need I feel is a way to stay organized. Dirt Rich was interesting, learning how to find properties, and how to use virtual assistants for some grunt work, but emphasized the importance of putting systems in place. I do NOT want to add another full time job on top of what I do now. I realize this will take work, but I also don't want to squander precious time with my kids while they're still at home.

Looking for a few recommendations, ideally without obliterating my initial budget (which currently just comes out of our household budget): 

1. A system to capture distressed properties found while driving for dollars - and then a smooth CRM of some sort to keep track of when and how I reached out.

2. Marketing in a cost effective way. I've put out bandit signs which led to my two leads thus far, and I pass out/leave business cards everywhere I can. I've got a basic landing page for intake of property details that's linked via a QR code on my card and signs. 

3. I'm considering PropStream to help identify tax delinquent land, as I'd like to attempt acquiring and wholesaling land. This seems like a worthwhile investment to help fill a pipeline of opportunities (~$100/month).

4. Where to find good reliable forms/documents? IE for sub2 transactions, or even straightforward purchase and sale agreements, it seems hard to find forms that "look" legitimate or don't force you to dump a bunch of info into a "free" site.

I've looked at a number of cheaper courses/classes, ~$400 range, but read on this site repeatedly that gurus aren't needed. Having a stack of forms ready to go is appealing though.

I've also been offered by a friend to do some on-the-job project management training to help him flip his next house, basically help pull permits, get quotes etc. and oversee a flip while he works on a few others, so hoping to learn and meet important parties that way.

THANK YOU for all suggestions and advice, it is much appreciated.