I hope to get our family financially independent.

You need to learn how to value the property independently of the list price. 

I pay a little more in tax, but I also can deduct certain other expenses that offset that.As a Tax Auditor (my day job), I hate having to "follow the money" in an audit, especially if the Company I'm auditing doesn't provide bank statements to review with cancelled checks for ALL of the bank accounts.

As an active investor and independent insurance agent, I recommend finding an independent agent you can trust that is willing to go as shallow or deep as YOU want to know about your policies.

I like the idea of the thermal camera, but get an energy audit from a conservation professional.

I would suggest getting referrals from other investors to Independent agents who are familiar with rental properties and get multiple quotes. 

The past few months I've been trying to learn and absorb everything RE related on my journey to financial independence.

Some months I'll have $3,800 in cash flow; that is cash flow strictly from my current job after expenses.I've been listening to Bigger Pockets YouTube Videos, as well as VIPFinancialEd, and Rent LIke A Prop for the past eight months.I've been taking notes and what others have done, and now I'm about to make it happen myself.Any and all advice would be appreciated.I look forward to joining the rest of you on this journey to financial independence...even if I happen to be a late bloomer taking an awkward and difficult path to getting there.Cheers,"Makiing it happen" Matt

Another reason to work towards listing independence @Kevin Lefeuvre, and push to get your ranking up on VRBO/HA. 

A provider who will be there to help respond to an IRS audit or compliance check is also recommended.