Betting on future price appreciation and equity growth is just that "betting". 

I bet the rate of Engineers going homeless is all but 0. 

The quicker you can take action on the high dollar value decsions the quicker you will be able to grow.For sure take the time to setup the right foundation, but keeping it simple and easy when you are getting going is a safe bet!

Good luck, you are a busy man with school, family and baseball.Likely your best bet is house hacking (if your partner and child are willing to share housing). 

Appreciation: Are you primarily looking for immediate cash flow (rental income exceeding expenses) or are you betting on long-term appreciation?

Your best bet since your working on your capital are going to be to use low money down hard-money lender.

Relatively low cost means you aren’t betting the farm—really just your down payment.

That’s the best bet. 

Also your plans may change during the next 3-4 years while you’re in school so sitting tight and building your nest egg may be the best bet until you graduate.

If you have a lease with this tenant that allows them the dogs, you can still say they are in violation of the lease, I'll bet, by something in the lease that says they aren't to bother the neighbors or cause any disturbances, etc.