PIF them if you call each month (Pay in full).Good news is when you go to do a Refi, you can plan ahead and pay the cards off a month and a half before so they report the zero balance, your score goes up immediately.Also, two cards is not enough,  4-6 cards start helping your credit. 

However, if your lender says that there will be no difference in the amount you will be able to get if you refi now or in 6 months then go ahead and lock the mortgage rates.

If the property is not on the MLS, the numbers seem to work, then go ahead and call the seller, visit the property and make an offer.

Than this will boost you WAY ahead in your investing timeline.  

Do you think those locations are likely to stay ahead of San Diego? 

However, things are quickly changing due to COVID 19 and it is hard to foresee what lies ahead in the immediate market.

Talk to you refi folks ahead of time to make sure!

Renovations to turn non- living space into living space are very expensive, as I mentioned earlier if you are willing to have roommates in a big house you will probably come out ahead. 

With that said,  I always give a heads up, usually a quick text if I am going to do anything besides lawn care. 

Traffic vehicle flow #s are high.