There is some interest rate risk, I would expect the rates to continue to rise in the near term.  

I am going to continue looking into all of that!

For now we are going to continue to grow locally until we scale 

While I love my place, I still owe about $23k in student loans at 1.75% interest and $300k on this mortgage and I'd like to continue to build my wealth.

Nevertheless, definitely continue nurturing that relationship.

At your age I would continue to work and learn, find a flipping mentor and learn the nitty gritty of how it's done, and not just the actual rehab. 

(we both continued working with comfortable salaries) but, after a year or so we were beginning to feel COMPLETELY lost.... we were in financial (but not debt) chaos.

And if you happen to screen poorly and install unfit tenants, that commute will continue to disrupt your life and your kids' lives.  

It's not bullet-proof, but it's as good as anything else.You can continue to hand-deliver documents to your accountant, but where does it end up?

It should allow you to move through a project quicker, would likely see you continuing to succeed in your W2 position, meeting your obligations at home, and just overseeing your projects (still putting your GC chops to use).