We still figuring things out because having a property free and clear feels so much better than having mortgages I bet but I think we have to look at This as a business that has to be grown. idk I'm still a newbie but thats how what I see now.Also we're renting for $1,100 a month. what can be the exit strategy for this with our banks issues at the moment  ?

Considering you're working part time your best bet is to pick up something else part time to supplement your income. 

It's a safe and smart bet to get rid of your student debt. 6.5% beats the S&P 500 average and so it certainly wouldn't be foolish to pay that off.

with commish and holding cost 170k becomes less than 100k.its OK nothing to right home about and I bet hard to wholesale to a builder.Buddy Holmes  if your not in the ARB ( New St. is)  permits 45 Days total cost 5k  plus cost of architect plans.. its builder dream there..

So cap rate purchase is generally low and you are hoping for increased rent growth to further yields unless you built the complex from the ground up to own then you might have a 10 cap rate to cost versus buying in the market for a 6 for class A apartments  with little operating expenses.Watch out for (newly renovated) properties where some syndicators and sponsors do rehabs on the cheap but the expensive items are fixing to go out after you own it reducing yields heavily in future years.Newly renovated to these sellers might mean carpet,paint, some lighting fixtures.

Example only : We have at least two clients looking for b areas flips, but only seeing single base opportunities versus a double/triple run meat on the bone investments. ( $7 thousands vs $25 thousands )Upfront Disclosure : I'm friendly realtor/investor

@Ralph R.There are significant advantages to having your LLC sued versus being sued personally.  

Each market has pros and cons with most areas as an cash flow investment versus an appreciation play.

After doing a little more research it seems that portfolio lenders are my best bet for my situation at this point.I am new to all this, can anyone tell me how I can find portfolio lenders in my area and how can I distinguish between a regular lender and portfolio?

For one year spend time-frame, I would do one of two things....Put it in a savings account (safest bet)orIf you currently work at a place that has a 401(k) with a match, then max out the 401(k) contributions.