Since you're wrapping up paperwork, make sure your lease terms are solid, get the right insurance (landlord + homeowner), and set aside some cash for future repairs.

As mentioned above it there are dozens if not a hundred+ small items that are easy to forget that guests will expect you to have (can opener, wine opener, oven mitts etc) 

Yes, distributions have been below expectations and way below NOI projections. 

I would reinvest future cash flow from increasing rents to the principal to pay it down faster.

I'm sure it's a little more efficient in larger cities, but my market requires up to 60 days to get approval.Lower your expectations with Section 8 tenants.

I bought a single family because I thought I could house hack in the same way as a duplex and in ways it certainly could have and did work but I didn't expect the relational aspects of having people living in a property I purchased.

This is a great first step into your financial future.

Luckily you will be in a class and larger group of investors and future investors looking for a good deal to participate in. 

My ultimate goal is to become successful with my real estate investments so I don’t have to rely so much on my job and be able to spend more time at home with my soon to be wife and future children.

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!