Not sure if they have upgraded to desktop appraisals but if they are still doing in person appraisals , make sure you get everything (scope of work, good faith deposit, social, LLC docs, insurance, proof of prior experience, financial statements) in ASAP.

& how you become financially free is by letting whoever your renting to (I'm guessing that was a step also?)

I mean myself and any bank would need more details, but if you utilize that large sum as a downpayment and have a small mortgage, wouldn't you easily qualify for the debt to income?

I would apply the cash flow to pay down the debt and hope to have significant passive income (or equity to put into something else) in 10 years.

Now, my accounts are managed by Inspira Financial Trust. 

What has your CPA / Financial advisor recommended?

My wife and I have overhauled our personal budget to reflect the 'pay yourself first' approach (allocate in order: income comes in -> invest -> donate -> fixed expenses -> variable expenses -> fun $$).We are looking to see what experienced people generally recommend for a holding tank for that 'invest' allocation while we target our first real estate deal.What financial vehicles have you guys used that works well for this?

It would be better to open a new card with 0% interest on balance transfers, move your debt to that card, then pay it off like a mad man before interest is charged.Your scenario indicates you aren't financially disciplined.

I agree with @Shawn Ackerman I would start applying the cash flow to debt pay down.!

So basically in my mind this would not be a great financial move as we be accruing about 200k more in debt if we were to sell one house and take the cash from there and use it as a down payment.