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

Unfortunately, it's now going to get more complicated:(There are two types of approaches PMCs use to bill for maintenance:1) In-house ServiceTechs on the payroll, so owners are billed for their time by the hour.While the labor charges above are useful, they don't cover the true costs a PMC incurs, like:- Payroll costs for FICA, Social Security, Medicare, etc. that typically add 25-40% to the hourly rate- Medical insurance costs for the worker- Payroll processing costs to handle all of the above- Liability insurance costs in case worker damages something or injures someone- Workman's Compensation insurance- Costs of vehicles and tools- and more...Typically the management contract will disclose the total hourly rate an owner will be charged.

I would say credit monitoring

If I recall correctly, Rent Redi even gives them the option to pay using a credit card. 

@Hank Bank BRRRR is probably want you want to do.Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refi, Repeat.Before you go all in and either find out you don't like being a landlord or you make costly mistakes, start with just the next one.You'll have some challenges with tapping the equity in the townhouse:1) What loan amount can you qualify with your credit & income?

It’s because having cash available doesn’t not necessarily mean the borrower has the credit CAPACITY to obtain a loan.  

You need to build your credit.

Two, you'll have a much easier time obtaining a mortgage product if you have a track record of W2 income.In the meantime, continue implementing the strategies you mentioned: save religiously, build your credit, pay any existing debt owed, etc.

Quote from @Griffin Malcolm: Open an LLC and apply for a small business line of credit from Key Bank.

Should We:Sell, take advantage of the capital gains law, move, and pay the mortgage off on the new house, credit cards, etc…?