If you don't have the extra cash, can you get creative with a private lender or partner stacked on bank debt? 

I also keep a fair amount if cash (10%).

If you have a typical mortgage (80% LTV) It's not a cash flow market unless you are willing to spend extensively on theming/upgrades. 

If the home needs anything, I also have great connections with handymen, painters, electricians, plumbers, and general contractors and would be happy to be a resource.The Spring market is already heating up here in KC, so now is a great time to sell to pull back out your cash in the deal.

While it will not reduce the actual cost it will help with the monthly cash flow.I am curious if this was a single-family house converted into a double.

My main aim of interest in real estate is to increase cash flow and overall build wealth that can replace my day job and give me more flexibility with my time.

Couple this with the "Cash Distributions from Capital Transactions" clause and you begin to see the real problem.

I know that my current cash flow is a result of the unit being my primary residence first, and that not all units will cash flow like this, but can't help the feeling that I should be expanding my rental portfolio over the years.

I am aware of 1031 but wondered if I can just cash out without purchasing new property.  

I can help run their existing numbers to get more of an idea of the Business's Financials and work with you on how a loan payment would affect cash flows.