If Don fails to pay, the bank will certainly go after me, it will at least ruin my credit and will likely take me to court.

The fact that you already have multiple units fully rented is a big plus.If I were analyzing this, I’d start by verifying each cottage’s rental history, condition, and potential for adding more units or amenities.

Dedicate one checking account and credit card exclusively to real estate.

After all rape is just the word of the victim that it was not consensual sex, breaking and entering, well the door was already broken, every theft, every credit card fraud, well the owner said I could. 

I was working with a local credit union who pulled out at the last minute.

A cash out refi should take 2-3 weeks with most lenders, and you should have only an appraisal a credit report fee as upfront costs. 

I'm broke as a joke but I have good credit how do I get started 

The limits are not high at first, but they can build with good utilization and payment history.

-Max LTARV is typically 75% -Is a 12-24 Month Interest-only loan with a balloon payment - Minimum credit score is typically 600 -Interest on the Rehab is usually paid per the total drawn amount. 

I think your future self will thank you for doing that.Perhaps take out an equity line of credit in case you need it and using a property manager.