Debt/Income Ratio vs. Next Purchase

[Steven Miller]

So I have a question for the experienced and professional BP members.

I set out 2 years ago with a goal of purchasing one property a year until I hit my retirement to help supplement my retirement income. My problem is that with the first 2 purchases, on top of a few other normal loans (automobiles, etc..) I am at my max debt to income ratio according to the bank.

I know there is a trick to this and I am looking for some input on what I am missing. Do I need to take the hit and just go with a commercial loan with higher rates to keep moving forward? When I first started, I had read that you could have up to 9 individual mortgages but I didnt take into consideration of the debt/income ratio being an issue.

Help?  I know I missing something as there are many of people that buy numerous properties and have to be well over their ratio also.

Any input is helpful for this rookie. Thanks in advance.