The strong electronic correlations arising from overlapping spin-charge-orbital order parameters in complex oxides are of fundamental importance to many desirable characteristics such as the metal-insulator transition, colossal magnetoresistance, and high TC superconductivity. By selectively tuning the elastic energy in manganite films through epitaxial strain and noble ion implantation, we investigate the influence of isotropic and anisotropic stress/strain on each of the three crystal axes. From this, we can gain a much deeper understanding of how orbital overlaps and occupation act to drive emergent mesoscopic behaviors. We will discuss recent work on La1-xSrxMnO3 (LSMO) and La5/8-xPrxCa3/8MnO3 (LPCMO) single crystal thin films in which we find many different avenues to tune critical temperatures and magnetoresisitve properties by controlling lattice deformations. Quantum Monte Carlo and percolation models are presented as a means of understanding the role of orbital degeneracy and electronic phase competition in driving macroscopic electron transport and magnetization. These open the door to bridging fundamental discoveries to creation of functional devices. Supported by the US DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division.