I'd really appreciate feedback with regard to whether I should move forward with investing in real estate, or to let the desire go for the time being: I'm 34-years old, married, have 2-children under the age of two, own a home, and have a stable and good paying job.

For your listing, I would lead with the most desirable parts of the house first.

Appreciate any insight into the matter, if I can make it work it'll be a phenomenal property in extremely desirable lake location.

What is your fundamental desire when selling?

The house is situated in a desirable neighborhood but it seems they are only looking into cash offers. 1.

I'd feel equally more comfortable running a Life Insurance illustration tailored to an individual, accounting for insurability, cash-flow/premium targets, possible distribution desires, and tax-advantaged returns over the life of the policy.

If you dont desire to do the appropriate searches or stick around long enough to receive expert advice you may need to pay a mentor.

Please read these two threads that address your desire for a responsive tax person:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/998718-explai...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/1042619-strai... 

Treat this like a business (because it is), keep operating expenses as low as possible while making your spot aesthetically desirable.

Desire.