How To Realize The Equity In Your Portfolio

[Kesete Thompkins]

I have a real estate portfolio with good amount of equity (most of the portfolio is free and clear), however my personal DTI ratio is too high and that's stopping me from tapping into it to settle some debts and buy more properties. Other than lowering my DTI ratio (which is what I'm focusing on now), is there another way to realize that equity or am I stuck with dead equity until I can get that ratio to a better space?

I'm open to any and all thoughts and ideas. Thanks in advance.

Kay