It will give you a lower interest rate on both properties because you bought them as owner occupants, and it will require less down payment to get into. 

Quote from @Melanie Baldridge: Why I like investing in real estate more than 401(k)s.Both offer tax deferrals, but here's the difference:If you're making pre-tax contributions to your 401(k), then withdrawals = ordinary income tax.With real estate gains, you're paying capital gains tax (which is typically lower).Plus, RE investors get:1.

Diversification into multifamily also lowers risk compared to a single rental, as vacancies won’t affect your income as drastically.3.

Would that lower our tax liability from other income we receive or no because this is purely RE and not an operating business?

You will hear about west side vs east side, while what is told is true, what is not mentioned is lower class areas are block by block. 

., Smyrna, Decatur, Marietta), new construction or turnkey rentals for lower maintenance, or small multifamily properties for stability.

Hi Daniel, Columbus GA has properties much lower in price than the metro Atlanta area, you should do fine to learn your local market.

If they have a good interest rate it might be worth looking to see if you could assume their loan to take advantage of the lower rate.  

And talking with my leasing team, the properties that are moving quicker are on the lower end of the rental range $1450-1600.

I'd focus on deciding what you want to do (flip-high risk, but potentially high return...or large loss; short term rental-more work, but higher return than long term rental; long term rental-less work than the other two, but lower return).Once you've decided which you want to do, then focus on getting the best house to meet your goal.