@Lexi Blocksom If the burden of holding the property outweighs the long-term gains, a 1031 exchange allows you to defer all taxes, and you won’t have to recapture depreciation.This option enables you to use the deferred tax benefits to purchase nicer properties in areas with greater growth potential.Once you complete your exchange, you can immediately do a cash-out refinance if you need access to some cash, tax-free.

May check credit union too if you have access to any like fire/ police, vets, etc if you qualify :)

In the future, either get your Real Estate License so you have access to the MLS, or make friends with a realtor so they can get you comps to get an ARV.  

Long term money, you could invest into a taxable account so you have access to it whenever you want.

Access to these,  I do not believe requires a license, but it is in the thousands of dollars for access at the level you need.

If you look in another location I would stick to the 2 you are already investing in and expand your footprint.

I'm open to expanding the Chicagoland area, to find the best deal possible.

I like the concept of making investing accessible and achievable. 

Combine these benefits with GI Bill-funded real estate education to expand your knowledge.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

I look forward to connecting with like minded individuals and expanding my network within the real estate community!