Just looking for some input (newbie)

[Tom Biskner]

Hello everyone,
I apologize if this is a repeat of some various topics. I'm just looking for some input as to anything I could do next that may speed up or make my goals easier to achieve. First, my short term goal is to get myself financially sound enough to invest in a single family home or 2-3 unit duplex. Eventually, I want to invest in good size commercial units (25+ unit apartment complexes)

I have been told by others, and my bank, that getting a SF or 2-3 unit under my belt will go a long ways towards eventually getting financing for the big stuff, and the experience I will gain will be helpful, so that's the route I'm taking.

Anyhow, here's where I stand:

1. I started a generic C-corp last July + a business phone line. I've been opening accounts with businesses in order to help establish some business credit but nothing major. I have realized that my personal credit and the 2-year existence rule (my bank says it is starting to become a 3-year existence rule) are more important than anything.
2. I have been working on improving my poor credit score (and have made some good progress in the last 9 months) and am on track to have a pretty decent score in the next 9-18 months.
3. I have talked to my commercial lender at my bank a few times and told them what I want to do and asked what they recommend for me to get there. That will help with the loan, but I feel there is more I should be doing.

I'm still at least a year out before I can seriously start looking at deals, but aside from reading books, and forums such as this (, does anyone have any other suggestions to keep things moving forward?