Our initial goal has been to buy a property every time the Army relocates me (roughly every two years) and rent it out afterward.

But, the self-sufficiency test for FHA loans can be really difficult in SF, meaning that the market rent from units you will not occupy must be sufficient to pay for the mortgage payment. 

They are even working on getting me the evicted tenant's security deposit, the missing JANUARY rent since the place is still empty, and covering the cost of my own manager re-listing the property.

-Management is low - you'll need at least 10% plus leasing costs - typically a month's rent for each lease-up, and sometimes a renewal fee as well-Insurance seems low-Are taxes accurate? 

Ignore the $1,250 per month because that's your cost of housing, if you didn't pay that on the home you'd have paid that in rent so that's a non factor. 

Quote from @Jonathan Blanco: Is it worth seeking lenders with $0 lender fees (such as origination, processing and underwriting fees) or do they just get that money by increasing rates and charging higher points?

Terms such as interest rates and payment schedules are typically negotiable.Combining creative financing with seller financing can include strategies like:Subject-to and Seller Financing: Taking over the seller's mortgage and financing the equity portion through the seller.Lease Option: Renting with an option to buy while negotiating seller financing for part of the purchase.Wraparound Mortgage: Keeping the seller's existing loan while they finance a new loan that includes the balance.To proceed, consider connecting with experienced investors, understanding local legal implications, and attending networking events to gather insights.

Do you have other ways to decrease your expenses or increase your income aside from real estate? 

I searched for a few months and ended up buying a rent-ready, duplex in Brookhaven, PA.

You can earn strong appreciation but also lose a lot as the entire state becomes increasingly hostile to landlords.