In this part of the cycle, as prices are dropping and it's harder to get financing, a motivated seller is not going to get top dollar, and most want to get rid of their headache.Two years ago, it would have been easier, but not now.

I would have them get rid of the application fee.

We have a PMI of $250 a month and I’d love to get rid of it.I contacted the bank for a request for PMI to be lifted and they denied it.They said I could order an assessment of the house through them and then if house / condo come up with enough gained equity then it might be possible .Does anyone know the best first initial steps to order a home assessment ?

So in summary you should do what I did and get rid of all of them and take control of your brand.

Get rid of your inertia and do something!

Quote from @Nupur Daruka: If your tenant is causing the problem, then I recommend getting rid of them sooner rather than later.

High-dense urban environments should build up, and get rid of underutilized parking since public transit is easier in these environments.  

Since you'll be buying at least a Class B property, try to put at least 10% down and hope in 2-4 years it'll have increased enough in value to get rid of the PMI.

If they are supportive, but don't want to read up in the beginning, at least you have discussed it and they will come to it when they are ready (or when they get rid of you for half a year).

The refinance is especially important if you build enough equity to get rid of the PMI (20%).