If you intend to finance it, I would let the lender do the appraisal since the lender won't use yours (conflict of interest) and you'll be paying for the one they order.Ideally you would have a trusted advisor that has closed similar transactions and can guide you through the process.

I would recommend before you start to put time or money into any project you should first make sure you are educated in which path you are choosing and make sure that there is a goal / reason for that path.

During the next 12-14 months, I'll be focusing on my education, networking, and saving. 

Find a reputable flooring dealer and asks them to educate you on why the commercial quality floor material is better.

I figure its a good place to wet my feet, and continue my RE education/find a better market. 

Some Landlords know how to educate themselves on the law, develop processes, understand markets, and the other 142 things a Landlord should do.

Do you provide move in and move out reports How many pictures do you take of the property prior to tenant moves in and after the tenant moves outDo you get weekly reports when the property is vacant what prospective tenants are saying about your homeDo you provide monthly newsletters to your tenantsDo you hold investor education classes to help me become a better investorDo you have single point portfolio based management services?

You're best bet is to the take the time selling the property and educate yourself on MF investing, analyzing deals, identifying what's a good one and what is bad, network with brokers, lenders, etc.

Aside from the ultimate beginner’s guide, what are some of your favorite articles/resources that helped educate you when you first started on this route?

If nothing else it will be educational and will further inform your strategy moving forward one way or another.