But if you are really set on RE you may want to explore options of borrowing against them or taking cash out early.

You can also start exploring a house hack to utilize the lower DP

Explore my personal favorites, Set For Life by Scott Trench or The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, for invaluable financial insights.3.

Also you mention he has an awful reputation yet you acknowledged in your initial post you repeatedly buy properties his brokerage represents...not quite adding up.

To plan investment and future rental goals in Albany, research market trends, explore financing options, understand landlord-tenant laws, manage property early, budget for maintenance, and connect with local investors.

Other cities like Akron or Dayton in Ohio might also be worth exploring for affordable properties and good returns.

I'm exploring ways to access equity without selling.

Let me explore it ... 

It might be the way I have to keep going but it's why I'm exploring this fund option as an alternative.1.

The return on equity is probably very low considering they are paid off so maybe explore refinancing or selling the lowest performing one(s) or your biggest headaches to reinvest in more lucrative deals.I noticed you also used a metric of number of rentals to attain your goal rather than $$$/month.