The main reason we'd like to get into RE is to help supplement our income since my wife stays home with our 3 young children.

Costar has good data, but you'll want to supplement with local research (apartments.com, craigslist, zillow, etc).

Supplementing your tenants rent is charity not business.

You will need to supplement your tennat $2500 rent out of pocket to cover the expenses on this property. 

After a few years, you can refinance to pull out cash or get a supplemental loan (if available).

I've also been looking at Slice.is (yes not a .com but a .is) for supplemental coverage. 

China buys a LOT of US Bonds, driving interest rates higher if they react Trade wars can raise interest rates because they drive inflation, and the Federal Reserve is as allergic to too much inflation as I am to shellfish, and interest rate increases are their tool of choice.China is the biggest holder of US notes.

I am going to supplement the wood floor in a few spots with vinyl glue down planks.

I'm not looking to get rich quick, just to build a real estate portfolio to supplement my military income so I can retire at a young age.

The contractor/pro can say that they fixed it & not currently an issue, but still need to disclose - probably put that doc in the supplements &/or give to any potential buyers.