The resources we had:- a bank (conventional) that lends money up to 35k for 650 credit score- hard money lender with APR 120%- seller/community (who acts like he doesn't want to talk at all)- a real estate mentor that costs $35K to useThe "answer" to this exercise was:Use personal credit to borrow from the bank and spend the $35k on mentor, and then mentor has the "connection" with the community bank to negotiate a deal and brought a 70K property for 40K with FMV of $140K.

People with good credit scores can even be denied.

Incredibly sweet guy, and was very interested in my story, and shared his which is super inspirational!

Meaning any of your Helocs can be closed or reduced at any point if any of your banks feel you are over leveraged, miss a payment, credit score drops, even by mistake it happens all the time.I would get rid of the Helocs and put some cash in your bank so you can use that versus a Heloc. 

At first we thought he was just incredibly incompetent and over his head, and we wearily gave him some patience to get his act together all the while pressing him for at least partial payment.

You have an incredible background that sets you up well for what's ahead. 

For those who are proactive, these resources can be incredibly beneficial.3.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

The responses from this group have been incredibly helpful. 

Maintain a credit score of 620 or higher, save for a down payment, and research markets carefully.