Since it falls under residential, I've called Allstate but I know there could be other alternatives who may be better suited to this type of product.

The concept here is to get to the point where your tenants pay for your housing expenses, which should give you some excess income to save and invest.These initial steps could get you to a point where you have a few doors and maybe even have your tenants covering your own housing expenses.Think carefully about selling, it seems counter-productive if you want to be an investor.

Los Angeles is a beautiful mess, but I think SW Florida offers better investment opportunities for me at this point: fewer restrictions and more landlord friendly, and newer product with less capex/repairs.

Many products are a-ok fine, but some, especially those connected with lowest rung have impactors. 

You're correct on your positives and negatives, but I would have some doubt on the DSCR disqualification - there are different loan products based on different asset types + markets.

Bump… I am looking for similar product as well.

Would be happy to connect and see how we can assist you, we have some very competitive products on 5-10 units right now on cashout DSCR.

Most lenders specialize in one or two products.

TYIA  Sounds like it was a pitch fest for a product instead of searching for a solution for you. 

In my experience, the best rates and terms for home equity products are from credit unions.