Since you plan to replace the countertops, it is not too difficult to move the cabinetry lowers should you have sufficient space.

I guess I'm asking does it really matter which one we start out with first or am I overthinking this process after intaking vast amounts of information.

@David Vaitenas I think your going to find, via responses to this, that a vast majority in REI are packs, or wolves, vs a wolf-pack. 

., business and personal accounts with sufficient reserves to cover checks returned insufficient.When a contractor or service person I have paid needs the money immediately, and I’ve given them a check instead of ACHing or Zelle the money to them, they go to my bank (B of A) and merely exchange the check for cash.  

Not to mention if you need to go FHA (assuming you plan to occupy a unit) you have to pass the self-sufficiency test. 

Since my tenants are usually homeowners it doesn't make sense for me, but even for the couple travel nurses I've had, the background/credit check was sufficient and seeing how they communicate with me prior to booking.

or, as you said, reach out to them on linkedin be sufficient place to start?  

The vast majority of lawsuits against Landlords are for wrongful eviction, security deposit disputes, and Fair Housing Violations.

The vast majority have. 

My current income is sufficient enough to cover my living expenses, live comfortably, and put a portion toward savings each month.