I never actually wanted to sell them, but if I wanted to grow faster I needed to. 

The actual percentage whether 1% 2% or whatever will vary by market and personal choices.

It might be in a file if you actually go to the probate court an look at the files.

My guess is that you are looking in the wrong areas or for the wrong type properties.

Then when you go to refi, you can show actual operating income under your management/ownership.I hope this helped in some way.

I believe that I am withholding more then will actually be needed strictly for w-2 income.

@David Whitehair I would go talk to seller first to gather more information, see how motivated they are to actually do something.

@Heath Ryans That is actually what I was looking for, thanks a bunch.

I actually wasn't accurate enough in my post above - it'll cashflow for us within the next year or two, it just needed lots of repairs over the last few years (bought as a fixer-upper, built in late 1800's).   

@Todd Dexheimer   It's actually supposed to be 'dear husband'....lol.