Currently, my wife and I have one rental (cash flow of around $250/month) in South Carolina and I have six figure student loan debt (interest rate around 6.9% for consolidated loans).

Given what you and @David Faulknerhave said, I'm going to save up and wait for a cold market again to buy several properties and then consider consolidating once the market gets hot and depending upon my portfolio.

This gives borrowers the power to consolidate current debt, 1st or 2nd Home Mortgages etc. resulting in a much stronger personal credit score.

HELOC's are good for quick jobs or fast fix and flips but most of them carry an adjustable rate or an interest only option which can lead to having to consolidate them into a property down the road.

@Mike BianchiI’ve consolidated my portfolio into multifamily assets over the past few years or so and it has benefited me greatly and it has been the best choice I’ve ever made.

Have you considered getting a commercial portfolio loan to consolidate your 8 existing loans and then free yourself up for more bank loans? 

Thanks Frank, did you convert fixed rate mortgages or consolidated the portfolio loans?

When I applied to consolidate my first and second mortgages with a new mortgage through a new lender, I applied alone but they wanted my husband on the loan/title of the property. 

The battle may take years and do a lot of damage in the process, but the outcome in inevitable.Aaron Yates whether this consolidation really happens or not remains to be seen.

@Charles Hathcock- thanks - the  credit score is likely being impacted by the  revolving debt  you mention  and not the  FHA loans ....1) try to keep the  rev  card balances  under  30% of the max  card limit   2)  have you tried to  consolidate / payoff the  rev  card  balances   so that the  required  payment is  lower than the present  payments  ?