Building Credit from 0 (debt free)

[Gregory Sampson]

I did good so I thought. Over years i closed my credit cards, paid off my personal home, paid off  another property, got second rental going with all cash. I am debt free! Thanks Dave Ramsey. 

but wait. Now i finally see how leverage works. And I'm kicking myself for not getting into more properties sooner when prices were reasonable. 

Now banks see me as a risk worthy of high interest rates! I'm looking at a HELOC. At 12% in February 2024. But I'm committed to going back down the high credit score rabbit hole. Any good strategies that will get me set up for an 80% LTV purchase?

I'm thinking heloc, then credit card then a lawnmower loan. All in order to get gee, at least a 720 score. To be clear the only real reason for borrowing is to build credit score.

I'm open to suggestions please. My long term goal is to save 20% down payments plus 8% reserves for each house and attempt to buy one per year.