Long story short, I paid off the loans with the lines of credit, which I continue to utilize over and over again for the same purposes I've spelled out for you.There are other methods and if you'd like to message me feel more than free to do so!

Otherwise, you should be able to go up to 10 loans through conventional methods.

What is the most conservative methods for tapping into the equity and slowly building my property portfolio.

It's simple: He complies with the payment dates and method detailed in the lease or you move to evict him.

My goal is to use the BRRRR method and have at least 11 more rental units (either SF or small multi-family).

Its important to note that the rent from the 3 units is added to your income to qualify (less advantageous calc method)  and is not used to offset the mortgage (more advantageous calculation).Also you have two current loans outstanding VA loans that have 67% of your 667k limit tied up.

Research the BRRR method as much as you can and build that wealth portfolio. 

I would make an additional suggestion that, if REI is your interest and passion, and becoming an agent is just one method to get you closer to that, why do you need to be an agent?

I’ve heard about various methods like “Ghosting” and staking out auctions, but I’m wondering if there is some program I can purchase or company I can hire to generate these buyers list for me?

You're wrong.Properties aren't listed in some arbitrary method.