Or just continue paying for our rented apartment while we put that 90K into real estate that can generate income (then later potentially buy a home)?

The fantasy out there is that with a fast and superficial education and limited experience, a note investor will be able to identify, find and negotiate the purchase of notes at a “discount” to market value.  

Plus, join one of the weekly webinars hosted by Brandon Turner (under Education on the top tab).  

After reading "Build a Rental Property Empire" by Mark Ferguson and "The Book on Managing Rental Properties" by Brandon Turner last week, I am throughly excited to find ways to continue to grow and learn this industry in hopes of  property reaching my goal of financial freedom with passive income. 

I've been a "lurker" on the site for a couple years now, but have recently started to get serious about my REI education and am interested in buying a SFH rental to start out with.

You can get more localized information/advice.You should start with listening to podcasts, going through the various books recommended by a multitude of investors on posts throughout BP and getting a good education. 

This is the best place to find valuable education regarding Real estate.

Oh, also, once it's paid off, you continue to get all that stuff for free.I don't expect average buyers to get this, and I wouldn't consider it in markets where there is no hope. 

If the seller don't like your offer you just continue to the next.

But from my understanding from my education what your confusing yourself is most likely going to be further down your investing game.