In most of those cases, their broker took a high fee and the investor didn't end up with a great deal.Here are a couple of things that are a tipoff you are not working with a broker with your interests at heart (1) they want to pull your credit before having a conversation, or (2) they send you a long list of things you need to provide them before learning about you and your deal.The conversation should start with why you are interested in REI, then understanding your strategy to get there.

They should be easy to find with an internet search. 

You can also send payments to credit card whenever you have spare money.

So far mostly people are telling me I'm probably stuck until their lease is over. meanwhile I also need to pay down my debt and improve credit score. 

@Geovanni Cano sellers don't like FHA, it is meant for people with little money and very low credit score, plus you have an FHA inspection which can derail a deal a week before closing, nothing the buyer can do.

Typically Conventional will end 42% of DTI and FHA can get up to 51% DTI (and based on your credit score I think you should stretch to that 51%) Just a few things to start thinking about as you are working through the process. 

Why set a 600 credit score if it's negotiable?

CA there is NO possibility of a deficiency judgement on a purchase money owner occ loan.. borrower can walk and the worse that happens is their credit will have a foreclosure if the bank goes that route or a deed in lu. 

So act quickly, do as the others are saying and screen him according to your standard criteria. credit, references, eviction history, etc.

The credit unions tend to have lower fees and offer solid business products.