Our goal is to achieve financial independence one day and would like to start with house hacking in a multifamily home and hopefully grow from that experience. 

If the current value of the property is way over list, then a lowball would make you look like a fool.You need to learn how to value property independent of the list price.

Ultimately my end goal is to own numerous properties and gain financial independence through the cash flow.

Ask an independent realtor, what they think the property would sell for if vacant? 

@Jay Helms: :)) financial independence and consistent cash flow.

You will find a ton of useful information to help you with your foray into real estate investing.See here for the Guides: BP GuidesSee here for the FREE video series: The Financial Independence BlueprintSee here for the blog: The BiggerPockets BlogSearch MeetUp.com for local meetups.And check out the New Orleans Real Estate Investors Association (NOREIA)

The spouses who we ask to go to war with us for financial independence simply don't get enough credit.

It states "On my path from property claims adjuster to financial independence through real estate...." 

My goals in real estate are to become financially independent by investing in rental units and probably later also in developing or rehab of buildings into apartments or houses.

I can message you once I get some more detailed quotes back but each job is independent (could be cheaper/more expensive depending on a number of factors e.g. access -can they get machinery down there etc.)