Some of the options I see are to extend the contract or increase the security deposit significantly and  have it include the unit in question.

As rents increase I'm sure crime will also decrease. 

I also love the consistency. 

The other is the seller having a smaller mortgage on the replacement property or properties.To begin with, for your original property, you have the original basis, consisting of the original price, land/building ratio, accumulated depreciation on the building and improvements.

@Dale Ferrell In my opinion the best lead program is the one that your current budget can afford consistently. 

So working to increase that through my day job and continue to learn and look at deals that come up.

What are some things people have done to increase value of the properties they have as well, in similar situations.

@Steve LymanThat's a great question that we encounter daily, with increasing frequency.There's nothing that you "need to do" to qualify to receive IRA or 401K funds.

Most of the properties I'm looking at purchasing are in the 200k to 400k ball park, which would mean a monthly payment increase from $316.00 to $632.00 per month.

Your $50 increase is just under 10% of existing rent levels, and would put you about 13% less than the $700 goal.