Just like any skill in life, learning how to manage your family's finances takes time and effort and they don't teach personal finance in school (which is beyond comprehension but that is a conversation for another post).My recommendation would be as follows:1 - Figure out your monthly burn rate (how much you spend)2 - Set aside liquid reserves equal to 6-12 months of your burn rate (more if you are self-employed, commission-based, have unstable work)3 - Contribute to 401k at least equal to the employer match4 - Research Roth IRAs and, if qualified, this may solve both investing excess funds and saving for children's education as Roth distributions can be penalty and tax free for qualified education expenses (and other qualified distributions)5 - Regarding what to invest the Roth, 401k, or a regular brokerage account in, you can learn how to come up with a diversified handful of low cost index funds (or ETFs) that are easy to purchase and manage.  

I can't really help with any rental advice since this ($600K SFR) space is way outside my competence and, really, comprehension. 

Welcome @Stephen Lock , have you already checked out the BP Free Course, it would be a good resource to get started learning REI here https://www.biggerpockets.com/courses/a-beginners-introduction-to-real-estate-investing

Would welcome any introductions to RE agents who are also investors in FL.ThanksChetan P.

The post from @Brian Eastman provides a comprehensive response.

Question 4 is this even the right forum to be posting this in or should I have just added it to my introduction post?

Hi I'm Jason.  My business partner Glenn and I, after a long time of just talking about it are new to real estate investing in northern NJ. (with knowledge from the building side)We intend to spend some Months getting...

If you know any lenders, have them make introductions to their favorite agents, and get some 1 on 1 meetings. 

Greetings BP family! Im Karl, a Realtor and beginning Investor in the Metro Atlanta Area. Im looking to network with other RE professionals and like minded people in the area.  Im also interested in helping anyone loo...

Just thought I'd make a quick introduction here.My name is Cameron and I'm from Indianapolis.