Also, if I pay contractors using a credit card, am I still required to send them a 1099-NEC?

CREDIT - You need this! 

So thepointsguy calculator would suggest that you still use the credit card at 2.5%.  

The harder part for you may be credit scores.

BTW there is a free trial and the Starter monthly plan is $119.It also allows you to search through consumer information such as property owner "credit worthiness," Credit card usage, buying power, age, language, family members in the house, and many other fields that are above and beyond property characteristics, which is unique.

You can also send payments to credit card whenever you have spare money.

For now, my immediate goal is to pay off all of my credit card debt (should be accomplished by February 1.), and continue to educate myself on NOI, Cap rate, cash-on -cash return etc.BP community, I am open-minded, willing to take initiative, always willing to be taught something new, but also ready to share any experience or knowledge I have that can help someone else. 

Hey @Brett RiemensniderThere are a TON of banks/credit unions that will offer as low as Prime on a heloc on your primary residence.

Private lender will be close to a credit card interest rate for them to finance something like that.

For us we all typically use 0% business credit cards to furnish the property which can amount to $40-$60k+ depending on how crazy you go.