Newbie looking to get more educated

[Mark Kao]

currently I have 3 properties (I live in one) . The way I've done it has been pretty elementary.  When I've built up enough equity either by paying down the loan or the value has risen sufficiently I've done cash out refi's to buy properties whole while also trying to keep down the monthly payments and taking advantage of the tax deduction. I'd like to look at getting into something like a duplex or quad but where I live (Seattle) has made it an expensive proposition. How can I increase my purchasing abilities in a cost effective manner?