Now, I want security, independence, and some extra money would be nice.

Some examples:--Contact township regarding permitting process--Meeting with attorney to draft rental agreement--Contract with construction company that covers scope of work and timelines--Turning on utilities!

Search on Bigger Pockets for contact info, etc.My only association with it is that I plan on attending it, schedule permitting. 

The current owner built the second home in 2009 and has proof of inspection and permits from the city for everything.  

My personal goal is loftier than that, with visions of passive income and accrued wealth we can use to ease our lives and give our children an extra hand up when they start out as adults.My general plan is to buy and hold within our city, rolling over all cash flow and refinancing when appropriate to increase our number of properties.

Also, we could use the extra cash flow to save for our next down payment for our next property.With respect to finding financing options for our first property, does anybody suggest a specific route to go?  

We will give you the extra dollar!!

Of course the better scenario if I get more than one under contract is give another flipper the deal...either make a little bit of extra on bringing them a good deal...or just hand it off as part of investing in good relationships. 

Getting an extra few bucks doesn't really give me an incentive to give you the lead before it goes to market when I have a guy that closes everything I bring him. 

I work with timber with my dad on the side which in 2014 brought in a extra $42,000.