Sometimes sooner.

My two issues were the down payment for a 80/20 commercial loan and also being able to move on to the next deal sooner than later.

I am not worried about the builder selling it to someone else, but how can I convince the loan officer to close it sooner?

I believe that would have allowed me to take possession sooner and garnish wages to get some of my money back.

As far as the credit situation goes, you are also correct, there is alot I wish I would have learned sooner, but everything happens for a reason and its a work in progress.

We are serious about wanting to have a career in Real Estate Investing and want to utilize this tool as well as the plethora of other tools online to hopefully start something sooner than later! 

You are putting your money where you mouth is, but sooner than you think you will have to enter the ego abyss and true look in the mirror moment of what all real estate investors face.... and raise money. 

There is a building close by 480 sqft studios for $1150 but it is a little nicer and there are amenities (pool gym).

I guess if I rented a rotary hammer I could skip the gym for that one day.

Yes, but while some tenants will pay to be in these 24 hr doorman type with a gym, you have to offer something different.