My current employer is sponsoring my green card application, but the whole process will take another 4 years to complete.

An installment loan can help build credit you never want to "Pay off" credit cards or loans if you do not have to because it builds your Fico scores.

It does seem like a bit of a wild card, especially in a quiet neighborhood like yours.

I also have credit cards that I can turn into cash, but the interest rate is an issue.I just don't know what the right move is to get that cash and keep that rate.Am I missing any other strategies or ways I can gain that capital at a cheaper rate? 

It just wasn't in the cards for us.

I think that the assumable mortgage is the ultimate trump card for the house-hacker in today's market, and it is where I'd be looking if I was getting started in real estate today.

I had a decent idea about the upfront costs so I'll likely pull from savings and or open a no-interest credit card to fund them. 

Stessa can help you track automatically all income, expenses by integrating with your bank account, credit cards used for the househack.

However, interest on the same debt used to pay personal living expenses, such as credit card debts, is not deductible.But, wait there's more... 

I am licensed as a broker in two states and in NY I was able to waive into my license with a current attorney bar card so you might want to check on that as well.If your eye is to working with investors and management, look up Chantal Duame at Good Neighbor Realty.