I don’t mind leaving A BIT of my own equity into the property if it means breaking even or staying cash flow positive.

I don't know of anyone that would take on a recourse (or even a non-recourse) loan with someone who has no skin in the game.

Call me a negative Nancy, but if something goes wrong-say a break in and you were the last one to leave the apartment-who's insurance covers it-the tenants or yours? 

Would it make sense to utilize the equity in the home toMove forward for purchasing our first investment or should we leave our main property’s equity alone?

This is my first time so if I am doing something wrong here some advice on using these forums will be helpful as well.Can anyone tell me what if anything I am missing or that I should leave out.

This leaves you with more cash in hand at the end of the year and IMO making you a better "less risky" candidate for a loan.

You will end up leaving some equity in a few deals.  

Income isn't going to be worth much once those tenants leave.

I would leave the curtains- they are easy to wash and hard to destroy. 

You can always leave the line of communications open with the Vendor.