By the time I retire, I want to have enough rental properties to have financial independence to enjoy my hobbies and enjoy spending time with my family and watch my children grow up.

Bigger Pockets is a great place to find a real estate tax accountant.A good real estate accountant can save you thousands of dollars by leveraging entity selection and formation, tax deductions, cost segregations, bonus depreciation and tax planning.I recommend finding an accountant who specializes in real estate taxation, business taxation, financial planning and tax planning.You may want to consider working with your accountant remotely to expand your options.I would also recommend looking for a accountant willing to work with you throughout the year.

Being a responsible person has nothing to do with the financial calculation for rate of return or cash flow. 

Prioritize your financial stability.

If you need financial help, ask under the "Finance, Tax, and Legal" forum.

If you need financial help, ask under the "Finance, Tax, and Legal" forum.

I know that the general guidance is that emergency funds aren't to be invested, but given our financial security and the fact that we already have a personal e-fund in a safe, non-volatile location, would it still be crazy/unwise to invest this 15k in an S&P500 index fund in a brokerage? 

If you need financial help, ask under the "Finance, Tax, and Legal" forum.

But I don't know your personal situation and all the financial details. 

Stessa brings accounting, tenant screening, financial reporting and more into a single integrated platform built for investors, by investors.