There is still a LOT of room for growth in this respect, but experience is king and I'm also itching to get some properties. 

I respectfully disagree about selling that condo to accept a loss, unless I couldn't afford the payments for whatever reason.

I have an NDA I have my buyers sign and trust that they will respect that, but the reality is many will often try to go around you and cut you out of the deal because you don't have it under contract.Any advice? 

I've only recently heard about the FHA program but I'm very happy to hear that I can base a general idea with respect to budgeting with that in mind.

You either have to have those Funds in reserve, or, you can pay them with more of those respective credit lines... presuming available space.  

Are there better ways to get educated with respect to real estate investing? 

I am not sure how they are structured internally, but it is a 100+ year old company and they are well respected in the area, so I am assuming it is all done legally.

.- If you consider these properties belonging to both of you equally, you can form an LLC, treat it as a partnership and transfer your respective properties into this partnership.

What goes around comes around" Treat people with respect and fairness and you will have a more-fruitful and happy life.

You also spoke highly of your tenants and they respectfully came to you about their interest in adopting a kitten, very commendable for tenants.