My question is considering the above, what strategies exist that would allow me to leverage the free and clear condo such that I am expanding my portfolio, or am I kind of stuck in a holding pattern of waiting until these existing leases expire, and then potentially selling the properties?

If your potential property meets the criteria than go for it.

I also see quite a few potential on the open market with fixers.

I may be biased since I'm and investor and Realtor in the Tri-Cities (Kingsport-Bristol-Johnson City), but the appreciation potential is very strong in this market and the price points are much lower than other the other markets you mentioned. 

be mindful that those involved in the military are provided an 'extender' on their section 121 exclusion eligibility.Depending on the appreciation on the property(if there was), you may want to consider taking advantage of section 121 as the excluded gain may be higher than the potential cash-flow that you can get on a property.

Examples of  health care workers  etc if  that  is  your   demographic. 

This arrangement not only compensates the agent fairly for their services but also serves as a motivating factor for them to prioritize you for future off-market deals, potentially giving you an edge in the competitive real estate market.When it comes to selecting a proficient lender, I have employed several effective strategies through my experience.

There are free tools online everywhere, but basically you want to do the following:Gross Potential IncomeLess Vacancy= Gross IncomeSubtract the following expenses:Real Estate TaxesHazard InsuranceLiability InsuranceMaintenance (yes, even if you plan to DIY)SuppliesProperty Management (yes, even if you plan to DIY)UtilitiesLawncare/Snow removalLegal Costs (evictions, LLC formation/maintenance)Bad Debt (non-paying residents)City Occupancy LicensesPayment processing fees (for debit/credit cards)This will get your Net Operating Income.Then subtract debt service. 1st mortgage2nd mortgage (if applies)Line of Credit (if applies)This leaves you your free cash flow.

@Colin Flynn MTR’s can work here but there are some potential limitations.

Once you've identified potential properties, schedule tours to assess them in person and address any queries.