I am currently employed as a Behavior Therapist and would like to venture into real estate, specifically small multifamily buy and hold investing.

My day job:  I work for the government and make about $57k a year with very stable employment history.   

One of my biggest expense as a self employed Realtor/Investor is health care.  

The more leverage you use, you'll on paper have higher cash on cash return on the equity invested......higher debt isn't for everyone, but many REI's employ higher leverage.

In addition, if you are self-employed with no full-time employees you may wish to consider opening a Solo 401k instead of a self-directed IRA as it has several advantages over an IRA LLCsuch as much higher contribution limits, direct checkbook control (i.e. no need to have the account at a specialty trust company), ability to take a 401k loan, exclusion from unrelated debt finance income tax with respect to investment in real estate acquired with non-recourse financing, etc. 

I could use some help in understanding the best strategy or knowing the variations of strategies that I can employ to make this deal successful.  

My wife and I are looking to secure our finances in addition to our employer match 401k investments.

What if a large employer moves of out town simply because it became too expensive?

If making money quicker is of less importance, and you are more prone towards self employment, just be a solo agent at another brokerage.

My current employer has good coverage plus 401k.