You'll get the same tax benefit eventually, it just comes over a certain time based on category.  

Keep plugging away and you will eventually find a property that has no, or manageable, foundation issues.

You purchase the home/property paying the principal/down payment and then you either rent it and pay down the mortgage with the tenant's money/money you pay during vacancies and eventually sell it after/if it appreciates?

Our plan is to be able to raise our family in this home, and eventually, take some money out to buy a few more 3-4 unit buildings.

Eventually you will want to make the leap over analysis paralysis, but that time may not yet have arrived.  

We are both excited about the prospect of having rental income properties and being able to eventually live for free.

My father was a GC and always brought me along on his jobs every weekend throughout my schooling "career" and I have learned a lot in terms of renovations so I am hoping that experience will help me to eventually get into the BRRRR method (I really need to get better at talking to people though) and build lasting relationships in the Clarksville TN area.

Keep doing this wholeheartedly and eventually your investments will be bringing in more than your W2 job. 

There is also a large walk up attic space and eventually plan to add dormers and finish it.There are two electrical boxes currently, one for each floor.

Eventually, I may manage the whole thing.