Further, the property may qualify for larger loans based on the increased cash flow ability to service debt.  

So far mostly people are telling me I'm probably stuck until their lease is over. meanwhile I also need to pay down my debt and improve credit score. 

Everything you said is exactly why-- debt levels, market demand, associated costs(taxes & insurance).

NO debt NO debt NO debt on rentals is the way to go as you mature in age as an investors.

For example a 25 y o applicant who has used credit minimally and has an unpaid bill of $50 in collections from when they switched phone carriers may have a low score, but the only negative on their credit is this one SMALL $50 debt.

You do need to have steady employment, decent credit, and not be drowning in debt.

But the answer for everyone may differ.Here are the personal attributes I see in those able to achieve a higher than market ROI, enough higher to be able to “scale”.1- Knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance2- Minimum 3 -5 years full time, or near full time experience directly related to real estate investing3- Ability to utilize technology for increased efficiency, capacity, and accuracy4- Excellent hired legal counsel and excellent hired marketing help5- Established method(s) of obtaining consistently high QUALITY deal flow6- Ability to manage and choose people who are NOT employees: Attorneys, Appraisers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Brokers, Title Companies, Surveyors, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, Contractors, Consultants, Property Managers7- A VERIFIABLE track record of success8- Ability to identify, analyze, and negotiate a deal that can be “worked” for “enhanced” ROI9- Some type of competitive advantage; for example for me it’s my ability to analyze and identify mortgage loans that are actually less risky than all other lenders believe (on the investing in debt side), and on the real property side it’s my ability to analyze”pull the trigger” with LESS information than other investors need,  combined with the ability to pay cash, or raise significant capital almost instantly as well as being able to obtain loans at the lowest prime customer bank rate with no recourse or personal liability.  

Not only was my market timing great, but I sold my less promising buildings and used the proceeds to pay down debt on my long term keeper properties, which have higher end tenants and are thus more stable and much easier to manage.

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

Hundreds of hours spent listening to podcasts and reading books on and off during that time kept the dream alive and prepared me to take the leap when an opportunity came up.I had received my real estate license about a year earlier to make some extra money but we were hitting a point in our debt and near future expenses that I knew I had to step out and make something happen.