I am currently attending college for Mechanical Engineering and feel as though real estate is a good fit for my schedule.

My current goal is 10 properties in the next 5 years. 

I have set short term and long term goals to get rid of the debt, I will get rid of most of it in the next year to year and half.

If your main goal  is cash flow and you  are sure you can rent it out to get a 25% return, it's in an appreciating area AND you are buying 20% under value....then it's an awesome deal!

Build a trustworthy and experience Team that will help you meet your goals.

So, I am willing to learn and start slow with the goal to have a number of houses in the double digits which would be fully paid off in the next 20 - 30 years so that when I turn around to sell them, I would have a lumpsum that can add to my retirement.

Cashing out is still a considerable tax hit, but depending on your RE goals, you may want to consider notes and/or partnerships. 

My goal is to own 15 rental units mortgage free.

Similar to you, I wouldn't want to be pitched on a program, I'd rather have some in depth conversations about strategy and goals with like-minded people.

I would advise that you continue to educate yourself on the different avenues of REI and decide which could put you and your wife in the best position based on your goals.