It depends on a variety of factors. 

Considering all the factors in today's real estate market, how would you guys recommend investing this money? 

There are a bunch of good choices IMHO.We don't have leather but all our surfaces are super durable because they are higher end sofas and chairs.The 3 main couches are a pair of Basset and a La-Z-Boy.

Ideally, I would love to buy a multi-family property and rent it out, I would consider house hacking but I mainly want to my first property to be one that I can improve on and have it generate income for me.

Assorted things.Realistically, on a triplex that's not fully rehabbed, without assuming tenant damages I'd be factoring in roof, flooring, HVAC at minimum on nothing more than a 10 year cycle (5 is safer).

The main way to reduce your DTI from RE is using a DSCR loan, however using an LLC is recommended to do so more effectively.

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

You get a great house to live in $150k-300k less than what you would otherwise pay for OR sell the main house as well for maximum profit.Photos are of a recent project from 2017.

Mainly because you remind me of the unsavory individuals I have had the displeasure of meeting.  

There are several factors that could be affecting that, but definitely not an increase.