Scott,  @Steve Vaughan is  one of my all time hero's on BP and someone I think gives the absolute best advice on a realistic methodology for attaining this mystic financial freedom from RE .

I know Reunion West is a very STR friendly rental area with access to ample amenities.

Is self management attainable, yes...

They have stepped in to cover repairs for me, pressured mngt to do the same, introduced me to other PM teams that would perform better, shared multiple resources with me to assist with the sale of the properties and have spent ample time helping me strategize overall about what to do with these properties.

With your income, you'll have ample options, especially as a first-time buyer.

In this case, he gave us ample notice to (most likely) fill that slot, however, I'd like to protect us in the future.

Wherever you took your broker's class you should have ample study materials.If you are talking about your real estate agent's license in NJ (that is not a broker's license), you need to take the initial class at an accredited agency and they will give you all of the materials after you finish the 75 hours for the test.

IF you try to obtain it without a skilled Expediter who has experience getting one, you are certainly not putting your best into attaining it.That being said, I have known some expediters who are supposed to be really good make mistakes or don't have the proper knowledge either.

If you do go under contract, make sure you have ample DD period and that there are contingencies included so you can get your earnest money back. 

2) is 80/sqf construction cost attainable?