Currently, I’m working on clearing my debt and saving as much as possible, with plans to start my journey by house hacking with my partner.

I have really bad credit, thanks to being a Dave Ramsey follower for a decade but very little debt.

Driven by favorable interest rates and stock market performance, debt issuance has been the main capital driver.

Those three tithes combined resulted in an ~23% giving rate not 10%...each is 10% with two of them annually and the third every three years.So all that said, Christians ought to give from the heart (2 Cor. 9:7), regularly (1 Cor 16:2) and if you struggle with the amount pray and consider what is placed upon your heart (James 1:5).

We bought at 375k, are currently renovating the basement, and have income of $4725 (before utilities, insurance, and debt service) right now.

Link-https://www.hometap.com/end-debt-stress-estimate?

combining multiple sales and 1031s and buying one larger asset. 

Understanding Commercial LoansProperties with 5 or more units typically fall under commercial real estate loans, which have different requirements compared to residential loans.Requirements for a Commercial LoanCreditworthiness: Both your personal and business credit scores will be considered.Down Payment: Typically, 20-30% down payment is required.Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR): Lenders will assess the property's income relative to the debt payments.

Maybe you mean debt to income?  

I know debt can help you scale faster.