So, I don't think there is any equity for you to access here to buy more property.

Get good at figuring out rehab pricing on the fly, get access to your local MLS so that you can learn how to most accurately comp the properties and also figure out which local wholesalers understand what a good deal looks like. 

You have to have something to give to get something or VIP access to learn.

Find a bank, the one you're working with or another like it, that will transition one or more of your properties onto a first lien HELOC.The HELOC will replace the mortgage; the "refinance" into the HELOC will cost a lot less, giving you more capital to invest; and you'll have instant access to cash if you want to buy more property.

I have a good lockbox system in place, so building access it not an issue.Companies like NestEgg definitely have the potential to put some of the lower caliber property managers that serve small landlords out of business.

As mentioned before, it's definitely worthy to store your savings so that you are not easily able to access them.

I am debating whether to rent out the current unit I am living in (that has access to the backyard and pool) or sell the property and reinvest the gains into other projects.

A big thing that helped me was becoming an agent focused on investment property so my access to deals opened up as well as my earnings.

Do you have legal rights to access the property by crossing land owned by others?

I'm looking for opinions / guidance on whether or not this is possible - from a city regulations stand point:The second floor of a 2 family has an attic space with stair access from the 2nd floor apartment.