I am currently a junior business marketing major with a concentration in professional sales at Samford University.

How do I access a portion of that equity to fund the purchase of 1-2 more MFR properties in more affordable markets like OH, IN, MI, PA, TN, or AL?

Renting to a friend can complicate things, especially if you're starting below market rent.

They are either dealing  with a property they are having problems with or they want more than market vale. 

We are always priced under the market average for properties, as we prefer a slightly higher occupancy rate over a higher nightly price.  

What markets are you looking into? 

When you charge under market rent, the IRS deems that you do not have a profit motive and, therefore, disallows all rental expenses. 

One I know is based in LA as that's a huge market of course..

@Grant Shipman Great stuff, I'm a big fan of co-living/rent by room strategy, and I do it here locally in Denver metro, and it is the best strategy in today's market for any house hacker to live for free or make money while living there, but they have to sacrifice personal space.

The Japanese market is different in that it is a high yield cash flow market, non speculative investing.