From what I've seen, they don't push RE investing since they can't get paid on it(unless they are licensed). 

For example, if you see 3% appreciation, your paid-off property increases in value by $3k, your leveraged properties increase in value by $12k--quadrupling your Return on Equity (ROE).

We estimated the value of the home based on similar sales so that estimate minus what we paid is where this amount comes from. - When did you purchase the home?

Want my rehab $ to go the farthest pre appraisal.

One thing nobody likes is to waste time and I'd want to know upfront.Not saying this is you, but just to share -- I've had a few potential clients in the past who have gone as far as to get their pre-approval, through my lender referral, start sending me properties (and vice versa), only to then dodge phone calls, emails, text messages, etc. leaving me wasting my time and effort for someone who isn't motivated. 

We have reached out to agents in both markets and are starting the pre-approval process in both states.

Yes. all of the landlords know. we rent from 4 different landlords.I furnished the first 9 apartments & the furniture is fully paid off.

Nothing paid until at the closing table.

So essentially in about 8.5 years I’d have both units totally paid off and in the clear.

I there long time never paid rent late, never called the landlord, and kept the place up.