What’s the best method?

Then the next year, they will jack that up and I will be right back where I started. 

I am very aware that managing a property is a lot of work and has its ups and downs, but I am ready to learn and have the energy.

Keep it up!

I tend to lever properties up to buy more, but since rates have outpaced rents, it's been more difficult to do so successfully. 

Wayne brought up a good point about the current occupants being able to pay the rent if they haven't been paying the taxes.  

Out of curiosity I looked up what monthly rents were going for similar houses on AirBNB/VRBO, and the cheapest I could find in my area for similar property (furnished however) was $1400 over what I am asking for my LTR.

Any mistake can create a domino effect and impact both investments.If your current investment is performing well, save up that money and use it to build a pile of cash for a new investment.

I'm guessing that's because too many people didn't follow through on the "keep quiet after 10pm" rule and they ended up with fines etc.

Real estate is not easy, but it sure is rewarding if you can pull yourself up by the bootstraps and get creative.