Have you considered using a self-directed IRA to invest rather than cashing it out? 

Are you self managing those properties?

Without accounting for management fees (I have not yet decided if I will try to self manage), and with planning to raise rents to typical market of $825 for each of the smaller units, and $1200 for the larger unit, does this seem like a worthy first investment? 

It served the purpose well in my case, it was self-paced.

I am getting a mortgage for about $175k, putting 70k down, and the rent of approx $1900 is a near breakeven cash flow investment when I self manage.I am sure there are investors out there getting better returns than this, but I am a busy working man with a family and I am playing the long game.

It’s so mental but if you have stuffed feelings of hatred against the successful people you see you actually are also going to judge your future self for becoming successful and likely sabotage it before you get there. 

There are a lot of ways to crash and burn, so increasing the odds of succeeding long term should be your highest priority. you can always sell your local assets once you're comfortable managing rentals and ready for a market that better-suits your criteria. btw, kudos for being self-aware of your limitations.

No acknowledgement.2) When they started the process of finding a new tenant, they forwarded an application for my approval.

The information contained in this post is not to be relied upon.

I'm in a position to be able to buy what I want, and being new, I am hoping to leverage the group's experience and avoid the headaches one creates for one's self.