With your research that I mentioned above, make the choice where you feel the most confident with supporting evidence.

Another thing is a small detail like who pays the ACH fee can be a choice to go to you or tenant.

I was able to withhold less from my W-2 income in anticipation of these savings, providing me cash flow in my pocket each time I got my paycheck.It could be beneficial to engage an accountant to help you assess the cash flow and determine if you are maximizing potential cashflow derived from taxes!

The people you surround yourself with will either propel you or hinder you, the choice is ultimately yours to make.

I am in the camp that anyone can be found rather easily but it's a choice of your comfort level and what your desired outcome is.  

The experience you gain from house hacking or living in a multifamily property will provide you with insights that will be beneficial when you scale up.Financial Considerations: Make sure to weigh the financial implications of both routes.

We manage our lives and finances , make good choices .

Specifically, I'm wondering about the best first steps for education and whether getting a real estate license would be beneficial.

Sounds like the cashflow is decent to me.... the tax benefits might be more beneficial to you, and appreciation, and the guests are paying your mortgage down hedging inflation... etc, etc, etc.

I happened to be at an inspection yesterday for an investor that will be closing on his first quad in Jacksonville in 3 weeks.As for where, I think the choice between those two markets is easy.