I don't want to haul that around with me that's for sure.How can I use my location independence to accelerate my journey to financial independence?

I heard that the first property is the hardest and then it gets easier, but financially I don't see any advantages to having 1 property already in this situation. 

Sounds like you are starting your journey to FI (financial independence)!

The BP forums, podcasts, books, and meetups have helped me gain a better understanding of how I want to use real estate to gain passive income and eventually financial freedom.

Any lenders or companies who would work with me if i have a rented property but no financial history.

My goal in the next year is to move from single families to the multi-family space, and then quickly to the commercial apartment space.If you're willing to chat, meetup for a drink, or let me know about other meetups in the area (San Francisco/East Bay), then hopefully we can meet and exchange information, build partnerships/friendships, and build towards our financial freedom.Cheers.

What stands out over the rest of the options?

I also have been thinking of partnering up with someone in hopes of speeding up the process without being irresponsible and finding myself in a financial pickle. 

My goal is to put my family in a better place to become financially free.

We have attorney's, escrow accounts, and financial payment certifiers, however opening a dialogue somehow feels slimy now...