Those 3 cities share a consolidated school district. 

Then they signed a $10MM deal to consolidate the mortgages.

However another option I've heard is to re-finance my principal mortgage to pull equity out and consolidate the downpayment and remaining mortgage amount. 

Not eligible for any repair programs: they will go through a consolidation after 3 months.I could get a secured credit card.Just to add more clarity around the goal, I am aiming to get an FHA loan to buy a du/tri/quad plex.

Just completed a large remodel on my primary residence ($90k in) with the goal of refinancing to consolidate some personal debt and pull some additional cash for other real estate related projects, BUT ran into a road block with a lender.

I'm am going to use this strategy for down payments and debt consolidation.

The move toward consolidating campuses, hybridizing 2- and 4-year schools, delivering educational content online are all going to eat away at residential enrollments. 

@William Huston, I'll speak to the 1031 :)  What you're describing is a consolidation exchange. 

If the properties are in Los Angeles, Exit all of them immediately and let someone overpay in the current LA market, Then purchase an apartment complex at the Institutional grade that will deliver you a couple of million a year in cash flow.When I worked in Private Equity and a new client showed up with over 20 million worth of debt free real estate spread out over 15 or more properties, It always surprised me that consolidation into one asset never came to mind.   

@Patrick Liska, Yes the Delaware Statutory Trust and TIC (Tenant In Common) are both used as 1031 exit strategies to consolidate and move into passive ownership while retaining tax deferral.