Here's my 2 suggestions: Visit your local REI groups.

I suggest you find someone who actually knows what they are doing, reach a deal where you provide the lots, they build on them and you split the cost.

Long story short- I am wondering if I am in a position to get started with real estate investing or if I should take care of debt first. 

His lease doesn't end for three months, so give him notice that you can't afford to charge less than $1,000 a month and suggest he move to something more affordable.

I became interested in real estate in fall 2023.As of early 2024, I don't have direct real estate experience, but I'm excited to learn from seasoned professionals and successful investors.My long-term goal is to be a buy-and-hold investor of multiple properties and to set myself up for a wonderful retirement.Let's connect!

Any suggestions on what to do?

If you truly want professional advise to confirm what the other forum is telling you, or to assist with your own research, I would suggest paying for a consultation with a CPA rather than relying on that of a free/public forum. 

Rather than go into all the specifics I would suggest you read some underwriting books to understand how to analyze these larger deals.A few that come to mind are:- Multifamily Millionaire Vol 1&2 (Bigger Pockets) Multifamily Millionaire Book Bundle – BiggerPockets Bookstore- Hands Off Investor by Brian Burke-  Definitive Guide to Underwriting Multfamily by Robert BeardsleyThere are many others out there, but I would suggest starting with those.

Anyone with experience in Baltimore have any suggestions? 

I wonder if they really are service dogs (which are usually well trained) or pets with papers (aka emotional support animals).