Maybe learn to DIY some of the things yourself.

A simple Bi-Weekly with added payments can pay off a mortgage in 10-12 years.This strategy allows you to pay more at your own pace having a failsafe unlike a 15 year where you are obligated to pay more every month.

I heard to get the ones with the backing to make for easier DIY install but have heard you don’t want to go too cheap also. 3. 

I used a basic DIY segregation study with an IRS audit guarantee.

The simple answer is yes if you were using conventional, it gets complicated if you were to use FHA on your 2nd primary.

if you're willing to put up with the pain and inconvenience - moving every 1-3 years, living in the smaller / worse units, DIYing things - you could have a portfolio of 5-20 units in 10 years, just by using your house payment.maybe the house you have would be an OK rental. 

In the past, it was simple to say, "time to move on" to these legacy tenants.

As easy as this sounds, it's not simple and usually like pulling teeth.

I know that sounds simple but the question usually comes down to preference and NEED.

Not simple or quick, but definitely a real solution.