I know there's a process to get the rent increased, I just don't know what it is.

At the very least have current landlord give the proper notice as required for increase and for the vacant unit non renewal.Get the clock started now vs when you close...

My strategy/advice would be to take one vacant unit and renovate it with a light-colored luxury vinyl (waterproof so it can go in kitchens and bathrooms), repaint and do a few small improvements in the unit and try to get a substantial rent increase.

Is there a good mortgage calculator out there that I could use to figure out the difference in costs between paying PMI at my current rate, versus dropping PMI, but having to pay an increased interest rate?

I suggest you get an average for the past year, increase the rent by that amount + 10%, and just add it to the rent so you don't have to think about it.Once exception: I put a cap on how much is "included" with the rent.

You’ve got to find a way to bring more value to the marketplace  Agreed, use that savings to increase your W2 income.

Real estate investing and flipping has become increasingly popular because of the return on the investment and the ability to use other people’s money to do so with the intention to increase both parties return.

Real estate investing and flipping has become increasingly popular because of the return on the investment and the ability to use other people’s money to do so with the intention to increase both parties return.

Real estate investing and flipping has become increasingly popular because of the return on the investment and the ability to use other people’s money to do so with the intention to increase both parties return.

Real estate investing and flipping has become increasingly popular because of the return on the investment and the ability to use other people’s money to do so with the intention to increase both parties return.