So do a background/credit check, get a full application, paystubs (Call to verify), former landlords phone #s (Call to verify), and other information.

I need credibility, either through working for a couple of years for a company or buying my own property, starting small, and scaling with time.Now, my plan is to graduate next year (Im a junior), and get a job in a firm as an analyst in order to build that experience and mainly cover my living expenses, while on the side buy my first small property and go from there.However, and this is where I start overthinking,  I still have 1 year left in school and I want to use it to my advantage as I don't have any expenses or responsibilities other than school yet, and I want to do my first deal.

Unlike traditional banks, which focus heavily on personal credit and income, portfolio lenders prioritize the cash flow of your property.

For me A or B grade means that you can get a tenant with a 700 plus credit score with an income well above the minimum threshold. 

Both of these financing can be obtained as long as you have good credit. 

Screening tenants well and then a security deposit or credit card hold process in place will limit liability.

Have the tenant pay for repairs and maintenance with future rent increases by using a line of credit.

In some cases they cannot pull the money out because it is now (Non-owner occupant) an investment and their credit union or bank may cap them at 70% or 75% MAX LTV.Nothing wrong wiht putting 10% down on a primary but look at the rates on both 5% and 10% usually when you have PMI built in the rates stay the same.

Small banks and credit unions focused on farm/agriculture tend to be the most aggressive with land/lot loans.

Approached the seller asking they pay all closing costs, received enough credits to buy down the interest rate back into the 5-range (current rates were in the 7-range).