Ultimately, I want to quit my job (of course), move to a new area and focus on REI.

Hi Sara, Ultimately, the decision to keep the property as a rental or sell it within the 5-year window will depend on a combination of financial, market, tax, and personal factors.

This time we studied multiple exit strategies and ultimately we found a nice balance that seems to work. 

Ultimately investing is an entrepreneurial activity.

For tenant screening I suggest you start with Biggerpockets Ultimate Guide to Tenant Screening. 

Ultimately it depends on your market, but given Cleveland is a good area for rentals, it's probably a good idea to keep at least some of them.

Here are a few I recommend: "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Roberto Kiyosaki; "Set for Life" by Scott Trench; "The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing" by Spencer; "The BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide" found here on BP; "The Book on Rental Property Investing" by Brandon Tuner.

Ultimately, my dream is to achieve financial independence and free myself from a 9-5, build generational wealth and allow myself more time with my little ones.

Here are a few I recommend: "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Roberto Kiyosaki; "Set for Life" by Scott Trench; "The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing" by Spencer; "The BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide" found here on BP; "The Book on Rental Property Investing" by Brandon Tuner.

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).