Quote from @Brady Ascheman: Let's talk about this directly as a business decision.

Your wife can look up properties online and you two can make decisions and then offers.3.  

I can tell from your questions that you are in a bit over your head and before you make an incorrect decision you should STRONGLY consider a consultation with someone.

I would look at the value of the rentals before you make a decision to see if that makes sense for you.Regarding the furnishings, if you have to pay more for them (again here in FL, properties are generally listed fully furnished and you don't really get a discount to tell people to take the crap out - in fact, I had one guy refuse a good offer because one of my conditions was for them to take their crap!  

This is an important decision- I have a few PMs I can refer you to over here.- Depending on your budget, do you want a small condo or larger residence?  

This is why it is sometimes worth your while to delay your tours until you have several lined up over a weekend, and let parties know you'll be making a decision at the end of the weekend.

Figure out what your goals are before you make your decision.

Here is a CSS Decision Diagram flowchart intended to bring together all the various questions when assessing the benefits of a Cost Segregation Study (via a professional or DIY).FYI - You can do a CSS for ~$400, ask @Malik Javed how.

Best of luck with your decision.

Youre with WAY too many options and decisions at one gulp.