It just takes longer days on market (30-60 days) and lots of conversations with landlords explaining why people have more options and go with the best one for the dollar and why we have to be more flexible in terms of pricing and requirements these days.

I bought through an agent and don't recall if there was a option to counter.

Need to do more research on possible retirement account options, but for now I'm not pursuing this.

@Kristi Johnson see if you can find a HELOC option or find the right deal that covers the higher rate of a refinance.

Are there strategies or options you can recommend to someone like me, who is both just starting out and has limited funds (worst combo ever?)?   

Subleasing gives the tenant flexibility, freedom, and options and gives the landlord a substantial increase in risk and liability with no financial reward.I enjoy providing property management and real estate information

Also, setting up proper banking and other procedures is important if you choose an LLC option (avoiding things that will help an appossing attorney break through the LLC)

@Millie LeungRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

These designations are typically used to get a leg up in the employment world but also serve as an excellent source of education. 

With about $680k owed across them all, I have almost $1.2 million of that owed as equity, leaving me about $800k in available equity (assuming 80% LTV option).