Understanding debt to income ratio

[Jennifer Roberts]

As a newer investor, I'm really trying to figure out my next best step. I recently connected with a lender to prequalify for a conventional loan. We have great credit, have about 50% equity in our home, own another two homes we paid for in cash, and have about 25% more liquid cash than what we prequalified for. Can investors and lenders alike please lend me your expertise on this? I'm so confused why I can't use the amount of cash I have on hand to leverage more. Thanks!