This also crossed my mind, but I was hoping the amount to be large enough to create some dramatic change.

There are many ways to boost your income which will help get you to your goal faster.Best of luck with it.

Also talk to them about ways you could potentially boost your valuation such as cosmetic fixes with good ROI.

I wouldn't let the dramatization of "adverse economic impact" between ferociously competitive SEC schools lead my investment decision making.

So the boost is just a lil extra gravy. i bought all my properties well before Covid. 

We prefer flexible for that reason (and because, as @Luke Carl mentions it seems to be preferred by ABB) but sites like "booking.com" offer a non-refundable rate option that can also boost traffic and bookings.The key is that you're happy and comfortable with your policy and "enforcing it" if need be.

Boost the income side of the equity. 

I'm after cashflow, and paying off a property boosts that immensely.

Even if the difference between your first living situation and your next one is not this dramatic, you may still have a hard time qualifying for that next loan even if you otherwise check all the other qualification boxes.  

Needless to say, this will vary dramatically by community and home size.