@Nicklaus McCain first, at this point of the market environment please keep in mind that rent increase may not be possible in the next 3-6 or even 2 months.There is a wide range of ways you can reduce expenses apart from the ones you mentioned above.One of the easiest ways is to shop around for better quotes for Insurance and contract services.

It's a new problem as I am very comfortable with my Memphis team. 

As for the numbers once I move out, I don't feel comfortable continuing to rent by the room with separate leases and constantly having new people in and out (of which may not know one another).

As soon as you feel confident and comfortable get you a mentor and get into multi units ASAP 

Also, It’s not about the physical act of me helping out with small things but, more so being in that environment and seeing first hand how the process and day to day of being a great investor goes.

However, I would not be comfortable putting 25% down, if that makes sense.

No two investors share the same level of comfort when it comes to investing.

Purely based on the fact that may be similar to yours, but I just did not need to own, and am comfortable living in a one bedroom apartment as my the more expensive properties are being paid down though my renters. 

With this particular environment of high unemployment, and what I’ve heard about inheriting tenants I’m constantly rerunning numbers.

If a private lender would feel comfortable to lend to you then expect a rate of 10% or so.