Debt is from a mortgage on our primary residence and student loans.I'm now in a situation to either reduce debt or increase my regular income (via paying cash for rentals/purchasing notes/something like that) to a point where my dti would be more attractive to lenders.

I had a small amount of student loans (i.e., less than $10K), which I paid off within 3 years after graduating college and purchased a car (less than $28K), which I paid off within 4 years.

The best deals are in the worst areas and the students will not want to live there either.

But you and I may have differing goals and resources as far as investing goes...I wanted turnkey and it was ok if it hardly cashflowed...we are investing for tax purposes and make money on that end...but think about who you want to be your tenant...do you want students?

Does everyone think this is a legit mentor seeking a student?

Not knowing the full scope of your credit history or student loan debt, I would recommend first talking to a few Lenders to see what you could qualify for.

Unfortunately I spent the 2 years paying off over 60k in student loans (which I feel was smart given our not-so-low interest rate).

Our realtor their did mention that the students often stay in the newer developments closer to the school verses the downtown area.

Should be no more than 28%.Second ratio - Total monthly debts. living expenses plus monthly debts like student loans, credit card payments, car payments, alimony, etc.

As an Agent in Austin several years ago, one of the top HS in the city got a very low overall rating, but when you dug into the data, it was because there had been too many minority students dropped out of the HS remedial programs.