The area shouldn't have any impact on if they will do a loan.

I know I lost out on some speculative gains but my goal is to keep my money and then generate positive cash flow.

I spoke with a the city assessor in Tosa a while ago they said they are looking to have the properties on a street be correctly positioned to each other, meaning that they want to identical houses being assessed the same.

With that said boosting your credit or savings isn't really going to make a huge impact your income is more likely to set your limit. 

Tenants have been there for 3 years, so most likely pay and PAY ON TIME  - big Positive factor. 

.- Seller does this by offering terms of a loan and is willing to take second position behind primary loan.  

Brokers it.Stay focused, and try to surround yourself with positive people.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/552/topics/557953-negotiate-from-a-position-of-strength  

I’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts, watched the webinars, but we are now in a financial position and a stage of life to (in the words of Nike) “Just do it.”

No need to try to be deceptive, just tell everyone exactly what you're doing, be sure to have "and/or assigns" on the contract and make sure you are marketing your position in the contract, not the actual property.