Identifying, qualifying and executing transactions seamlessly while coordinating with seller, other brokers, title companies, lenders, managers, tenants, inspectors, contractors and appraisers is not dissimilar to conventional residential real estate transactions but the margins for error and the foresight to avoid or solve potential issues and overcome them is often the difference between a successful transaction/investment and a disappointment. 

Of course reliability and reputation are critical factors as well.Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

As @Henry Clark mentioned above, there are a lot of factors to consider in underwriting a commercial property and getting yourself educated is critical to avoid very costly mistakes. 

I will take any guidance and criticism as I am learning.

Or do we buy an investment property first and postpone having a place we own to live in, for two years, an especially critical question now with interest rates going up fast?

Understanding real estate tax is very critical as you can do something completely innocent that costs you 10s of thousands in extra tax.

Like others have said...due diligence is critical whether you're choosing a house, a contractor or an investment partner.

It is critical they have their own investment properties or at least know what makes a great investment property.

You have gotten a lot of good advice and a lot of harsh criticisms.  

Know how to take constructive criticism.