I've had a couple of people suggest to me to 1031 exchange my SFH here to buy multi-unit OOS or many SFHs...sounds like huge headache venturing into the unknown and all those tenants, repairs, capital expenses etc. 

Most of the recommendations I see on the forums, and other BP content suggest that new buyers like myself take advantage of low down payment loan products to get my foot in the door.

But the process really is simple.

Not to mention the GL is usually only about 15% of your overall insurance cost.I'd suggest asking your lender to put into writing what is the maximum risk they will allow you to take and then give those guidelines to your broker and see if they can improve on your current program.

Btw why would you suggest HELOC rather than cash-out refi?

Something as simple as not having blackout curtains can make or break a listing. 

I will definitely explore the options you suggested 

There is usually always a reason for the way things are - more often than not people do not ask the simple “why” because they are too embarrassed, make assumptions, or simply prefer to ignore their knowledge gaps.

Simple solution.....application denied.

If so, any suggestions on what alternatives we should consider?