If you do have open houses, do you find to be a help in getting applications?  

@Bryant McClellan I'd recommend HELOC since the fees and terms on HELOCs are a lot more favorable vis-a-vis business capital. 

My DTI (on my own) is too high to qualify for a HELOC at the local credit unions that I've talked with, and they won't let someone apply as a co-applicant if they don't live in the property as well. 

I turned $200 in material into thousands in value just using some sweat equity.I also hear from applicants when leasing our houses that the selected ours because it was clean.

This is Sweet Ryan, Yeah in WA up here water/trash/sewer is very expensive it can range around 100-150 per SFR per month or more on 2-4 units I'm averaging 100-125 per door per month (tenants pay electricity and gas (if applicable) themselves.

Have your main influencer (spouse if applicable) read "Rich dad pot dad" let them know it's just so they can understand where you are coming from.

How about a pre-paid Visa card?

You have your building, you have your own apartment in there, and have the benefit of your potential rental income to list on your mortgage application.

My dream scenario is to rent for 25ish years, reno it, live in it as empty nesters for 2+ years, then sell without cap gains (up to $500k or the then applicable amount).As a side note, I would keep the rental in my wife's name to keep the excellent interest rate.

Be careful what you ask on an application and what you deny tenancy.