Without accounting for management fees (I have not yet decided if I will try to self manage), and with planning to raise rents to typical market of $825 for each of the smaller units, and $1200 for the larger unit, does this seem like a worthy first investment? 

Your account structure depends on your goals for growth and if you plan to self-manage or hire a PM.

At that point, you’re building a business plan—something you can take to the bank.

I'm finishing up the last of my engagement letters for next year and I know many of us will have sporadic availability for tax planning after this week due to the holidays. 

I don't think they verified that the tenant was planning on leaving either.

I’m planning to relist the house around April when the market typically picks up.

Provided I can establish a solid investment plan tailored to their financial needs/comforts such as debt ratios and income, they would be more than happy to offer me some financial control.Additionally, If I wanted to, for the sake of building my own personal wealth, I admittedly have the luxury of taking a loan from my parents.

So adding this to my prospecting plan may provide reach to do deals that I may not have had before simply circling the usual watering holes.

If you plan to invest in a syndication as a limited partner (LP), ensure the structure allows for direct ownership in real estate (e.g., through a Tenant-in-Common (TIC) agreement), as partnership interests are specifically excluded from 1031 exchanges under IRC 1031(a)(2)(D).

The best advice I can give is this: if you weren’t planning on RE would you go to college?