My goals are grand, ambitious, and future proof.I plan to build affordable homes in a way that is self sustaining, and desired by many.I plan to invest into Single family homes, and multi family homes to get the individuals who live in them a better life.I live in Utah, so the market is not the best.

Constructing an IRR timeline on both options using the timeframe you decide on will help you visualize the better yielding investment.

From what you wrote, I don't think you have much guidance because you should be able to do better than that in your area.

is it better to pay down more on the above SFR and bring down the DTI ratio and then leverage the SFR and use that amount to buy another townhome?

DSCR would be an option, however, if you can qualify for a full a documentation loan your rate and terms (like your upfront closing costs and pre-payment fee that come with most DSCR options) are better with a full doc loan.

With hard money youcan make a better ROI because you are putting less of your own money in thedeal.

I recommend targeting a 3-4 unit property to get better numbers when it comes to cash flow or just lowering your housing expense.

Just get the correct insurance.You can get an umbrella policy if you want better protection than a poorly setup and ran LLC will give you.

Folks in RE are generally nice helpful, hustling to change their lives for the better. 

A pet friendly house will rent more and at better rates that a non pet friendly house.