In theory it sounds so simple, but I know I’m ready for the years of hard work to put in, I ultimately want to achieve financial freedom for my wife,son and I.

I attempt to never fall more than this below market because at $200/month below market the tenants cannot move into as nice a place at same cost so they have financial incentive to stay but also tenant turn over is not that costly or laborious and at more than $200/month below market it makes more sense to spend a few hundred to turn the place over and take a chance on a new tenant.- Tenants that are pretty good but not great I attempt to keep the rents at ~$100/month below market.- OK tenants I keep close to market rent.- Tenants I want to get rid of I place rent above market and let the tenants give me the notice. 

Having cancer does not absolve a individual from fulfilling their financial responsibilities.

@Paul Caputo , The commercial firms don't care about your financial skills.

If you can get a line of credit from a bank, Hard money lender, or some other kind of financier they will usually give you one to present to sellers when you make an offer.

I don't have the most money saved but I would like to start working my way towards financial freedom.  

Start with that and work backwards.You want 4-6 houses in 2-3 years so that can be:- 1 Four-Plex- 2-3 Duplex's- 4-6 SFHWhich one's interest you the most and will work with what you have financially?

It makes you think deeply as to why you’ve chosen the route to find financial freedom.

A couple of other 'side benefits of hold in retirement accounts are that in general those accounts are more protected in bankruptcy or lawsuit cases, and if a person has college aged kids assets in retirement accounts are not counted towards financial aid calculations in many cases (but not all). 

You might split your list in a couple segments - perhaps Absentee with high equity, Seniors with 15 year ownership and Homeowners with Low Financial Stability Scores.