While I wait for my work history, I want to build credit and save for a down payment.

If your asset is older and/or smaller, you may have better luck with local community banks or credit unions.

Hi Jerrell,  The best option for trying to get a HELOC on a property would be to check with local credit unions. 

Flat Fee MLS Brokers for sellers have been around for a long time, but Flat Fee Broker/Agents for buyers with a cash credit/rebate of the buyer agent commission are quite new and just starting to get some market share.

A couple questions:1) Has anyone worked with local lenders like a local bank or credit union?

You can decline them off their credit, background and for not having 2 past positive references.

They offered to give me a credit on a future loan.

A cash-out refinance or home equity line of credit (HELOC) can be powerful tools to keep your momentum going.Focus on Stability:Look for investments in areas with strong job markets, population growth, and consistent rental demand.

In order to execute on any of the strategies from #2, you will want to a work/income history and decent credit scores.

For example, if I do S/P top stocks, I could get around 11%. but if I did real estate and I have a 800 credit score - could I do real estate and make it work harder doing turn key Multifamily.