After that's under control, focus on increasing income through additional work at your current job, taking on a side hustle, or finding ways to increase income on your existing rental.At the same time, educate yourself.

Unfortunately, I have to answer unknown phone numbers due to my job role.  

But as said above it is not an easy job and the salaries are not great working for someone else. 

Licensed contractors have more of their "shtuff" together and thus are better at their job and naturally will cost more.

With the future being so uncertain I realized there was a need to do more than just rely on my job for financial security. 

The junk removal company started the job but stopped when they noticed bedbugs on mattresses.

My wife and I have a W2 job. 

Those in themselves are great education.Degrees won’t help you much unless you are trying to get a job at a large fund.

Am I giving myself another job/business?

The vast majority of contractors won't want to give bids on properties while under contract unless they have a relationship with that person from prior jobs.