The best definition I've ever heard of a credit score is "a numeric representation of someone's likelihood of going 90 days or more late on a payment in the next two years".That said, no one has actually has a score - until their credit is pulled, and then the resulting score calculation is based on the information available at that time.

I am currently taking the time to devour as many books as I possibly can on commercial real estate, as well as listen to numerous different podcasts in the morning before work.I feel as though people may beat themselves up about how they think they have an “excuse” or it isn’t the “right time”.

I don't recall the exact reasons I did not like ABT but there were numerous issues I had with their costs and services.  

I also have rental homes and tried numerous different softwares to try and handle both and never found anything remotely adequate to do both.

It sounds like you've already taken the proper first steps, which are to learn as much as you can and then to define your investing strategy.Your dollar will certainly go further in the Phoenix metro area than it will in Orange County, and there are numerous 2-4 unit multi-family properties in Phoenix, Mesa, and other suburbs that are within your budget. 

While I have never lived west of 75, I have sold and assisted clients in purchasing numerous properties all over the West side of Hamilton County.

I applied for a loan with a local bank after going through numerous channels with the major bans and finding out that was not an option. 

We have engaged an amazing bookkeeping company that has numerous real estate clients.

I had numerous offers on the building and each realtor knew that I was paying no more than 1 1/2% commission.

I am considering out-of-state and have looked at numerous markets (Birmingham, Kansas City, Baltimore, etc).