Just curious to see if my numbers are better or worse than the average.

In the banking industry we call that an "overlay". 

He believes in solid companies like power, steel, etc, companies with a history of profitability and reserves in the ground figuratively or literally, depending on the industry. 

My wife and I are both engineers in the Biotechnology industry and we have 2 little girls (5 yrs/ 9 mo).

Find properties on the MLS that have been listed beyond the average sales time frame for your area, attempt to negotiate.3.

In 2017 we spent on average $47/month / unit with an average value of $110k.

If there are even any other new people to the industry, lets talk!

Look back at least 3 years and as much as 10 years to determine the average vacancy rate.

Now yes you get appreciation (hopefully) however those repairs and times on market are average and don't include big items that have a life span like roofs and hvac.

The first step, I would recommend, is looking for a local real estate group to attend to network and learn more about the industry and your local market (unless you are looking outside your market).