You're correct that you could take care of your own taxes with some hand-holding, education and what-not.

The wife and I make +300K combined, we're currently not paying rent or child care (thanks, family!)

BE VERY CAREFUL THOUGH - a bank may not follow this rule. 

Exterior--roof, chimney (both as best you can from the ground--unless you have a drone), siding, windows, foundation, stairs, driveway etc.You will have a record for yourself, and can share with potential contractors for items that need attention. 

If anyone can offer guidance, know that I will repay it with attentiveness and my full effort in terms of prospecting, speaking to sellers, and anything else I can assist with.

Are you managing the property or do you have PM taking care of the property for you?

The house was not well cared for.  

If you're putting in/ hiring someone to put in the work (about 10x the work of a long-term rental) and attention, I think you'll be rewarded by renters and supported by HRM.

I know it is tempting to assume that since i got citied my PM isn't taking care of the property but I use a 3rd party service to check my properties  randomly. 

@Greg H.I am not really arguing with you however it is stupid to try and say one are is better than the other.If someone doesn't care about golf, they could care less about you having the ability to golf every day of the year (except for when you said you are hiding inside when it gets to the 30s....