There is not enough time for a lender to get comfortable with paydown of the note typically unless a very small loan and a shorter amortization period.

I ultimately want to own large apartment complexes; however, my personality / risk tolerance made me (and my wife) more comfortable starting with single-family rentals, and then bumping up to small multi-family properties - BEFORE trying to go big.

Work your way up to bigger things as you become more comfortable and earn your wings.

Open floor plan on the main level with living room, dining area, and kitchen with an overhanging countertop for extra seating.

Have been renting since I could remember and are comfortable financially to take a new direction. 

With enough work you can find a deal in any market but it's a matter of how long will it take with how much effort and whether you are comfortable with the price point.

Secondly, I'm not sure that I feel comfortable removing tenants who may like living in the property if the house can be sold to another investor with only an increase in rent.

Feel free to contact me directly if you don't feel comfortable sharing with the broader group.

In the mean time grow your savings and emergency fund to a point where you're comfortable (different for everyone).

Then when you are comfortable start replacing them with market rate tenants or get them to market rate over the 2 years.