I recorded some of the closing costs (prepaid interest, appraisal, etc.) as expenses. 

Have yall ever thought that the prospective tenant might be offering this as an incentive, they may think this would secure the lease as it is prepaid for an entire year.  

I told him to buy a prepaid credit card too because I want your azz out of here tomorrow. 

Perhaps you could negotiate for the seller to pay some customary closing costs (appraisal, title, pre-paid taxes, etc.) that should leave you with even more cash toward the downpayment.

Lender, Escrow, Prepaids.  

Closing cost- I understand if I close in end of December the closing cost will be lower because of lower prepaid interest than if I close in first week of Jan.4.

The buyer is asking for $5,700 towards closing costs, pre-paids and concessions. 

Impounds or prepaids - These are not really costs associated with the loan or the closing itself, but they do sometimes require cash at closing.

I prepaid one year membership on REBO.  

i do not mean go into debt like crazy i mean something small to boost your score such as a prepaid card from your local bank, just talk to them about building your credit and they should surly have some options. coming out of the gate with good standing credit will put you in a better position than most to start investing also if you are working saving up what you can would help depending on which market you desire to jump into, fix & flip / wholesale / buy n hold. also i would recommend learning to analyze a deal.