Thanks @Patrick McCandlessI like the growth opportunities in that city, projecting the next 10-20 years steady but solid.I'm also not at all adverse to Chandler & Mesa. 

It has all the markings of a great cash flow market: stable employment, population growth, broad employer base, and nice rent multiples.

Assuming you did adequate screening then your task is to be sure you are establishing a strong system of reminders so when the 1st of the month arrives there is a clear expectation of rent being paid first.  

Where there is demand there is growth both in the rental market and property appreciation.

I recommend having a track record in apartments if you are going to buy apartments, but if you start small, you can grow the number of units.Mark

The growth is great  but it's not creating enough passive income so we can step away from the high stress jobs.

Those stressors don't play well into the mindset of our active duty members when they need to keep their mind on the mission and task at hand.  

What activities/tasks produce the better results?

I am pretty conservative and more interested in protecting the progress I've made vs maximizing my growth. 

Look at zoning and planned growth.