I can afford to make all the payments with my W2 income so I'm not in any kind of serious financial distress, but banks really aren't eager to give me options with my score where it is. 

Affordable housing starter homes is where the growth market is.If it were me, I would turn around and sell them all for a profit and buy other cash flowing multi units but you have a great opportunity for tenant buyers if you wanted to rent for a while and sell 1 when you see a better opportunity.I would not combine your properties.

Because its C class, the rents are quite affordable. 

I agree with you on the conversion of hotel to multifamily, and it would pose a tangible solution to the affordable housing crisis.  

Depending on where you will be stationed there may be affordable housing options <$100k.

@Matt ByrneThe real question is can your AFFORD to learn?

Thus I've looked into several properties in other states and they seem more affordable.

Never invest with money that you can't afford to lose.

I suspect, that at some time there may be something that she might wish to have, that you really cannot afford with the "job" income to have.

I might have to start out slower but I really think we can afford to make some good moves in this growing city of mine over the next 5 years.