Owning multiple rentals

[Jonathon Garcia]

This may seem like a dumb question, but I am a newbie. I currently own a home that I originally purchased for 30K. I invested another 20K in repairs. In order to pay off the debt, I took out an equity loan on the home. I now have some capital to purchase another home for rental income. I am currently looking at a duplex in my area. The bank is saying my debt to income isn't adequate without paying off multiple debts. The mortgage on the previous property is now being paid by a renter. My question is, how do I continue to by more properties such as this duplex without having to stretch my personal credit? Do I start a business instead?