What do you need help with to achieve this goal?

Once you have a clear picture of what your goals are, seek out a mentor who's already achieved what you're aiming for.

But being how expensive it is here do you guys think it’s achievable to get into real estate? 

Those who have it in them to actually pull it off and achieve enough passive income to live on it are not content doing nothing. 

I've witnessed decreased credit scores, rising credit balances, and stricter underwriter guidelines.

Unless its about the full unpaid balance there's nothing to discuss.

Also, business cards are evaluated differently and high balances aren't treated as severely, if at all.My main concern is how to structure a deal so these get paid back in a timely manor.

Usually, you should bring over your trial balances as of last year when you filed taxes, YTD all activity and all data including tenant balances etc to the new PM Software.

If someone is working with a lower balance of funds like I am, than I'm more likely to prefer cashflow so that I can continue to afford the property as well as my life style.If I had some disposable income that was in excess of what I need to live on, than I'm more inclined to look forward towards appreciation because I would have enough wealth to take the hit now for the bigger payment in the future. 

I think my take so far with it is that it can be useful but it is still a bit stiff in its answers depending on what you are trying to achieve with it and you may have to do some secondary work with your results.