If renters find out your utility costs are high, they will expect a lower rent to balance it out.

  $1,500 down and $900 balance to be paid monthly ($75/mo). 

I feel like there’s a balance between being decisive and being reckless, and I’d love to hear how you guys approach this.

I cant speak for what this seller will or wont do, but my suspicion is that an offer accompanied by a balance sheet or list of collateral and not liquid funds wont fly - it wouldnt with me. 

I’m definitely looking at other ways to get involved in real estate while balancing a steady income through a W2 job.

The balance on my bridge loan is $120,000.

Credit Karma has a fantastic "score simulator" tool that you can use to project credit score changes (paying off balances, opening a new card, using an old card that has not been used in some time, just paying your bills on time for 6 or 12 months).

The key is understanding your risk tolerance, time commitment, and financial goals to find the right balance.

It's about finding the right balance between stability and growth. 

But, there are other strategies that can counter balance at least one of the disadvantages.