Rented out home, living overseas, unsure of next steps

[Eric Laird]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum and REI and am looking for advice on my real estate situation. I bought my first home in the Bay Area (Sunnyvale) three years ago on a jumbo loan with 20% down and put everything I had into a remodel done partly by me and partly with subs. My intent was to have a home to live in long term. But I was transferred by my company overseas this year (just as I finished the remodel),but found great renters and a good price. The monthly rent covers my loan, property taxes, yard care and leaves me with a small amount per month which I save for repairs. The value of the home has increased substantially over the last 3 years. I'm just renting here in my international assignment area. I'd like to turn my home into a permanent rental and buy my next investment property. I still have my original personal residence loan on the home. How could I use the equity and rental history to get money for the next venture? Was Anyone in the same situation that could share their experience. Links to other forum subjects covering the same situtation are welcome too.