I believe that my best  I first step is to first eliminate my own rent.

Ways to increase NOI can be increasing operating revenues or creating new operating revenue sources, decreasing operating expense or eliminating operating expenses.I noticed that you are working on a condo and a 4plex.

I would suggest getting the buyer not only pre approved but a full approval and eliminate the mortgage contingency. let the buyer know there is little risk involved and if the property doesn't appraise then they can renegotiate or get their hand money back.

Yes some of the margin will eroded but still I have eliminated a lot of risks a lot by sharing that margin within builder expertise (assuming margin is good for 2/3 parties) .

The middle man (custodian) is eliminated and you have total freedom and flexibility.  

To help eliminate this in the future do your homework and proper application process so you approve the best tenant possible for each apartment.

So, I'm looking into buying my first home and building up 20% equity asap to eliminate the PMI.

If you buy a fixer, move in, fix it while you live there and sell a year later you can eliminate all that waste.

Purchase a property that will allow a change in the way rents are charged, such as putting in separate utility metering, utilizing short term or even daily rentals at a premium (Airbnb), increasing occupancy rate (renting out motel suites monthly which eliminates local motel daily occupancy tax).8.

Perhaps transition from short term to long term property so your turnover is largely eliminated and the frustration decreased.