As basic needs (food, housing, fuel) consume a larger percentage of wages then there would be less money for the extra’s in life.

What are some good tips to get around this other than waiting until I get that DTI to a manageable percentage that banks/lenders are comfortable with?

What I mean is simply that there is fee based and percentage based and every single one of them is vague when trying to negotiate. 

(for example SFH used as an STR would have a different ideal cap rate than 8 units used as LTR) Also, I would recommend stopping thinking in terms of percentages and starting thinking of how much cash you are putting in and how long it would take you to get that cash-out.

can you fill 50/50 (or other percentage) of gravel into he topsoil and lower the cost (???)

Each year, investors want a higher Sales number and a better profit percentage. 

Mint and Personal Capital did not let me set my ownership percentage, which caused my net worth to be inflated from what it actually is.I have also done custom excel spreadsheets, but they require much more monthly maintenance to update at least monthly.I have found and started using eMoney.  

What you need to do is either find a portfolio lender (where you will pay a higher percentage rate) or a banker that understands this scenario.  

I would rather have several great realtors to team up with and pay them their percentage.

I would talk to your parents and/or relatives working with you signing contracts and splitting a percentage of the deal.