Looking for strategies for change of situation

[Jeff Dumps]

Hi everyone, I could use some help. I found the podcast yesterday in an attempt to learn more about creative solutions to investing as things are coming at me fast with our current situation.

I could use some feedback, suggestions or shared experience to help make some sense of my current situation.

1. 1. Moved from AK to Fort Collins, CO. last summer because I lost my job due to COVID.
2. 2. Own a duplex in Alaska, rents net about $500/mo.
3. 3. Alaska duplex could net ~$71k after sale.
4. 4. Want to break into that 3-unit mark and occupy one. Either keep the duplex and buy a single family home in CO, or sell the duplex and      buy a triplex in CO.
5. 5. Have $32k in debt - $18k of which is a high interest card (thanks covid) which min payment is $500/mo.
6. 6. Have $15k saved for a down payment for a single family home on FHA.
7. 7. Plans to buy a single family home fell apart with debt/income ratio and not being able to use a "part-time" income because of 2 year.
8. 8. A triplex we looked at was $970k and lender says we can't qualify due to FHA loan limit @~700k for area, and not enough $$ down otherwise.
9. 9. Single family homes in decent neighborhoods go for about $400-$430 here.
10. 10. Duplexes are about $600-700k
11. 11. Triplexes are $900-1M

To those experienced people out there, what would you do in my situation with the resources I have to get a foothold or gain some ground?

I have made up my mind that I'll do whatever I can and figure this out somehow - and owning real estate is what I want for myself and my family. I'm really kind of lost and could use some help on how to think about this and get into the right mindset.

If anyone can help with feedback, suggestions or sharing experiences I would really appreciate it!

Thanks, Jeff.