So I would need about $225,000 dry powder to get 1 more loan. 

This will keep you safe and your powder dry.If the lower comps DON'T work, there are 2 options:  1. pass on the deal, or 2. inspect a LOT more properties in your market so you become an expert in value there.  

This approximately gave us 250K to buy a passive purchase all cash and not have to worry about the interest payments, giving us the option of cash out refinancing or keeping our powder dry for other future acquisitions.I most interesting thing about this decision though is it has change the mindset of my previous investment strategy.

The problem was the postal sorting equipment was turning it into a nice suspicious white powder. 

I use RTAs from Kitchen Cabinet Kings.Flush hot water heater between tenantsUse drain enzyme to clean out drains between tenants to clean old plumbing lines.Use a powdered boric acid based bug killer before tenants move in to keep bugs in check.Use stainless steel and ceramic for sinks.  

I'm not investing, retired, but if I were, I would keep my powder dry for now.The other danger is relying on 2 high paying W2 jobs.

Just an FYI if it is a nest in the ground you can go buy Permethrin powder at a farm supply, horse supply store or Tractor supply store for $5-$8 a bottle and just dust the ground.

We're north west of Atlanta, GA near Dallas and Powder Springs. 

Go to seminars, take courses, buy books (and read them), join a local REIA group, study real estate, spend your weekends with your little guy going out and inspecting properties; but most important of all, KEEP YOUR POWDER DRY until you know what you are doing."

Looking in Marietta, Dallas, Hiram, Powder Springs, Kennesaw, Acworth areas.