Alternatively, I have spent the last decade doing technical work in cybersecurity, and can land a job between $140k-$190k (depending on where in the US). 

Hopefully helpful as you start looking around the market, as the only other alternative is to buy cash!

I would focus on credit, consider some alternative options to "free your Benjamins" out of your home, or even consider doing a partial sale of your home to give you capital to get back at it!

It also gives you stability in the event of market downturns or unexpected expenses, allowing you to lower rents if needed without feeling financial pressure.The alternative leveraging more with 20% down—would allow you to acquire properties more quickly, accelerating your cash flow goal.

True, there is tax court if they go against you, but for the most part that's not a realistic alternative.

Or of any alternative strategies to make this work?

If it’s not required by law, you might ask why it’s being done now and if there are alternative ways to address the concern.Going forward, consider setting a clear spending threshold with your property manager.

Alternatively, you would need to drop your rents by $500 or more to have the same impact on your cashflow and your value.

The only approach I’ve found effective is offering a deposit alternative, which lowers upfront costs for tenants without devaluing your property.

Are there any repair alternatives we should look into?