We're picking up extra work, multiple side-hustles and cutting living expenses... what am I missing here?! 

It may sound nice to pay a 6% management fee but the extra fees can add up to be more than the other company that charges 10% with no additional fees.

That way, if something like this happens again, both you and your tenant will have extra protection and support. 

Lets just say worst case scenario you spend your 20's working hard, living lean, and investing every extra dollar.

., curfew, no nights out, extra chores, eviction, etc.AH, eviction.  

I work a 9-5, am married, and have 2 kids under 3 years old so I don't have a ton of extra time to actively find, fix, and flip properties.

If everything else checks out we ask for an extra deposit or advanced rent.

Use the "extra" income to build a reserve for maintenance, vacancies, and other expenses that don't happen regularly.

They see the lower rent and don't factor in the extra expense. 

At a minimum you can put your extra funds into a high yield savings account, or even better 4-week treasury bills that give you state tax exemption and keeps you liquid for your next acquisition.