It's been a great experience and a tremendous boost financially.  

Thanks for the boost!

I plan to refinance the property at the 6 month mark into a 30 year fixed mortgage and I was wondering what types of improvements boost the appraisal the most. 

I think Thomas is being a little dramatic. 

I spoke with another lender and they informed me that you can actually use potential market rent from the other two units to boost the applicant's income.

There might be exceptions for EU passport holders and in certain locals to boost property prices. 

It helps dramatically for people to know where you are and how they might be able to help you.

Having student loans should increase your credit, not hurt it, assuming you actually paid them when you were supposed to.One of the easiest ways to boost your credit (beyond beginning to pay what you owe), is to go and pull your free credit report (I believe it is https://www.annualcreditreport.com/).

So if I were to count the upstairs that boosts the house to 1,022 square feet.  

Than this will boost you WAY ahead in your investing timeline.