Final bit of advice: if you can, steer clear of house hacking and multi-unit. 

Since the price of a multi unit is double or sometimes 3x the price of a single family home, would it be smart to start off with a SFH and scale up from there or just make the leap into a duplex that I can force some appreciation with minor repairs.

She has our mortgage payment and 2 vehicles in her name.

I plan to purchase a primary residence, multi-family home (2-5 units, 'house-hack'). 

Your demand is going to be sports cars, high end vehicles, etc. 

Generally - the depreciation on the structure, mortgage interest, property taxes, repairs & maintenance, insurance, property manager, utilities, vehicle expenses (mileage), professional fees (reports/CPA), home office (office supplies, percentage of utilities, continuing education).

Consider single-family homes or small multi-units to learn the ropes.

I log my work for Material Participation in a simple spreadsheet - Date, Property, Activity, Time, Description, Vehicle Used, Mileage, Person (my wife or myself), Expenses.

What are some of the better multi-family markets in Georgia and the Carolinas? 

The last 12-18 months have been a little rocky in the DSCR space for 5+ units. I find DSCR most lenders are 8 to even 9% for max leverage on 5+ right now. I know of a lender around 7.3%, but curious what everyone else...