Our family is very healthy, 

Darryl,Really good stuff here I own a few multi family properties in and around Boston its good to see that the lending environment is still relatively healthy!

Whether for mental, physical, or spiritual health; I want to make sure that they will have happiness in their lives.

A couple of thoughts - - make sure you have enough for not only down payment/closing costs but also a healthy reserve as well as money needed for potential renovations that might be needed to "force" the appreciation as you mentioned- if you are talking about 2-4 unit MFR, that really shouldn't be any more complex to figure out as a first timer than a SFR if you are planning to self manage - if you are talking about 5+ unit MFR, it might make sense to factor into your numbers having property management services (probably good to factor in regardless), especially if you have a 9-5 job- with the 5+ unit MRF scenario, I wouldn't necessarily be afraid of the financing as so many people seem to be, as like you mentioned they are more going to be evaluated based on how they run as a business. 

As 88% of all households still want to own a home, as they do, they are pumping millions into the retail sector, as they purchase furniture, lawn mowers, trash cans, dishes, etc. to outfit and maintain their homes.As someone in the trenches daily, I can tell you that the market still feels healthy to me.

There will be conflict, but are you guys able to deal with it in a healthy way?  

My goal is to build a healthy secondary income as my husband and I approach retirement over the next 15 years.I'm focusing right now on how to evaluate property and learning about different financing options.

Yes @Nick Orr get out to the local REIA meetings networking with those folks will show you that there is a plethora of money available people just need to know you can show them a healthy return.

For some it's cars, for vets the toys are often guns and a healthy dose of freedom.If my wife didn't keep me in line, I'd probably tack black sheets up instead of having purchased blinds to be honest, in those parts of the home where guests will not see.

TED Spreads in a healthy market are going to be 30-50 basis points.