You have a lot to consider here.

An LLC is already established and the foundation set in other areas.

Upon return form this deployment I will be debt free and have significant capital to dive head first in my first investment. my goal during this final year on contract will be to establish as much of a real estate investing foundation as I can in order to enable full time attention once I separate from the Marine Corps.I would like to gage your opinions on how best to dive into this world of real estate investing upon my return from deployment.I'll have anywhere from 30-40k in capital devoted to starting this endeavor.

You have the cart before the horse.You do not want the financial burden of a house or the responsibilities that come with it before you get established in your new life.There is no short cut to investing regardless of what others may suggest.

You can use this to establish if the market is going up/down/sideways/etc.The BP beginners guide is great for getting a foundation of REI and I highly recommend it.

If you establish a relationship with a Title company, they will provide a Title Report for $60 or free.

If you have investors who are willing to take over a contract without seeing it, then more power to you.I explained to your employee that we were new to the Florida market and that we had not established local team in this market yet. 

It seems to have been an impulsive and quite speculative purchase - like friends pooling money together to buy a ton of lotto tickets... 

If it is in good shape, is in an area with high rentals, and has an established tenant, it may not be a bad idea to let her stay.

I think the key in your buy and hold scenario would be to cash out refi once you get established with positive Chas flow and then use that equity for your next deal.