Keep renting it out, start to increase the rents, and continue to watch it appreciate.2.

Play around with that with your more accurate estimates.Rentometer estimates that rents in the area for a 2/1.5+ are around $2500.

I think that if you play around with the right deals, you will find that return does increase if you lever up to 50%, but if the debt is negative leverage (interest rate higher than the cap rate, going to max LTV can actually decrease your returns due to this dynamic. 

I generally place my value on being a true on the ground resource, for my clients not only to go to areas or properties, but that I live every day in one of the most investor focused areas, and continue to work to stay in front of the market both on sales and on rents.  

If it goes well and I like it, I will continue the colors to the other units over time. 

Lacey asked for $20K for furnishings and another $10K to convert the garage to a play room and add a pool heater.

Treat each property like a 'business' and make sure you're being regimented on rental increases bc the expenses will only continue to climb. 

@Nicholas Halterman VA loans are great because you can do 0% down and continue to use your savings towards any updates or repairs you would like to do.

It is one of the reason they continue to be popular despite the outrageous fees in my opinion. 

I would suggest playing the long game, though, instead of focusing on quitting your job.