It is not your credit score but generally better credit will result in a better score- Time at your job- Education level- time at current residenceGood Luck & feel free to PM me if you have any questions. 

Offer to do his inspections for free in exchange for some education on how to find, analyze, and fund deals.

Just to give you an education on the market -  the price of a good investment home in Phoenix is around $400K. 

Build a strong team with experienced lenders, real estate agents, and property managers, and educate yourself through books and podcasts.

Your education has cost you money, as education tends to.

I will need to educate myself on house hacking and co-living.

I’m also an active member of the local landlord association in Joliet (JRLA), which has been a great resource for networking and education.

I've been on this platform for many years and, over the years, I've seen new members linked or part to Mexican real estate agencies posting educational content about investing in Mexico out of the blue shortly after becoming new members and then disappear as they realized that their efforts wasn't giving them the amount of business they were hoping for.

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

I'm reading books and listening to podcasts and such but having someone I can shadow is a more valuable educational experience.