Basically we are looking to reduce our risk and if it defaults understand we would be coming after everything and anything.

.: Jobs have; PTO, medical insurance, Company matched 401k's, structure etc.

I rented out the house I lived in (in nice suburb with low crime and great schools) - this Class A property is doing well 5 years rented so far, but the property tax increases are reducing my cash flow.  

Any reduction in non-mortgage debt can make a big difference in your overall DTI.Since you mentioned having funds for a down payment, putting more down on your new purchase could reduce your new mortgage payment and lower your DTI.

This is helpful and I'll need to do more research into a couple more firms to reduce the costs.

Other than reduced bonus depreciation (if you're using that strategy), without any tax law changes, rates will be largely the same for 2025 as 2024, so you may not lose much by delaying receipt of the bonus by a month or two. 

Offset Gains with Capital Losses: If you have other investments that are currently at a loss, selling them can offset the gains from your property sale, reducing your taxable income.5.

So raising the cost of a load could possibly tank demand, thereby reducing income.  

I would forget about growing the portfolio and generational wealth until your husband finds a job and you reduce your credit card debt.Credit card debt has interest rates above 20%, there is a strong case that your rentals are not generating a 20% return.

It has been on the market for three months, with the price reduced multiple times from $550,000 to the current $375,000.