Hopefully, this introduction will be one more 'push' for me to get started.2) I like to work with people.3) RE feels more 'real' and engaging than the stock market.4) I want the financial freedom.What do you think?

My husband and I are at the best financial place we’ve ever been and we are wanting to put our extra $ into real estate investing.

Your financial situation will often determine what financing situations will be available to you.

I would not bother with an appraisal. 1. your more accurate idea of the property value won't be actionable, and the bank will definitely get one when they go to loan. 2. why would you want to delay closing?

It does not sound like that is the case.A discussion with your CPA or financial advisor who speaks this particular language would not be a bad idea.

Putting the financial part aside, do you and your husband want a lake house? 

The impact to both of their economies, and the global market overall is too high and the risks, both financial and political, are very high too.

I've found that larger (80-units or more) apartment deals that come from wholesalers are usually a waste of time - mainly because the financials (like T12s, Rent Rolls, etc) are incomplete. 

I graduated college, joined the work force and have been pushing forward my career, and now, 6 years in, yearn for something that will provide me with financial freedom sometime not-too-far down the road.

I am sorry to hear about your injury but commend you for moving forward and looking to take positive actions.