The price was low in 2014, today that same price is riduculously low, and the buyers in 2014 improved the property tremendously and recently re-sold for $230,000, good for them! 

By this time next year, we aim to have invested in our first rental property and improved our credit, setting a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling future.I am open to any knowledge or advice anyone has to give as I am currently learning about real estate investing. 

You will benefit from better rates and lower cost lumber now, so that will help make up for some of the added carry and perhaps the market conditions have even improved? 

Quote from @Jeff Chisum: If a DSCR originator (keep in mind you don’t need a mortgage license to originate) tells you the loan will not be reported on your personal credit but require you to be a personal guarantor your next request should be; “I want to see in writing it will not be reported on my personal credit”.  

Buying quality assets with a larger amount down, making improvements, and paying off debt could get you there relatively quickly. 

Does paying with credit card, venmo, paypal etc.......still allow you to NOT SEND 1099s?

Apparently they handle all property repairs and maintenance independently and have maintained a perfect payment history, even throughout the pandemic.Lease Option Agreement:Effective Date: November 1, 2022Terms:Purchase Price: $165,000Non-Refundable Down Payment: $10,000Lease Term: 3 years (ends October 31, 2025)Final Payment: $158,000 balance due upon term completionMonthly Payment: $1,150 (no rent credits)I didn't see this to be a deal because if in a the best case scenario my $25000 would walk away with 2400 which is about a 9% ROI.

Now, some of these answers will depend on what state that property is in, how much equity you have, and a couple of other factors...but you can certainly seek out other lenders about a Line of Credit on an investment property.  

I wouldn’t invest too much in old technology right before demand creates improvements. 

There are lenders out there that will lend up to 50% of the AV with no minimum credit score requirements.