Can we discuss the pros/cons of getting a cash flow property that has a renter in it already vs. getting a new renter in areas that are not rent-controlled? Can you always offset the DTI ratio with market rents, or do...

You will need to do the math on the various other debts to know what price you can pay to actually make a good deal.Title is always an issue. 

However, if you don’t show enough income your DTI (debt to income ratio) may be too high.

It's those maniacs that buy homes cash via quit claim deed off of craigslist that really get screwed.Make sure your property manager is a licensed real estate brokerage.Understand you can not eliminate all risk, only mitigate it.

Our objective is to eliminate water / humidity near the building foundation and also get rid of these hedges that just trap leaves and trash beneath them.

It took me 5 years to get my debt paid off, credit score raised and all that good stuff.

@Michael Glaspie - The debt is probably the most simple approach. 

I feel that would leave me with no debt and in a position of flexibility. 

You get all the debt pay down.

Having a tenant in a property a potential buyer is planning on buying as a personal home will eliminate the majority of buyers.