Do the credit/background/reference check3.

I would greatly appreciate any tips, recommendations, or cautionary tales you can share based on your own experiences.Specifically, I'm interested in learning about different creative financing methods, potential pitfalls to watch out for, and any legal or financial considerations that I should be aware of before proceeding. 

Eventually I will invest in cash flowing properties out of state.I'm looking for tips and advice on being a land lord such as maintenance, rent collection, taxes/accounting, legal, and things you wish you would/wouldn't have done starting out.

A local credit union also mentioned something called a "savings secured loan" which can be used for anything (even going on vacation), but I don't know if there are tax benefits to that and I don't think I can do that under an LLC.  

It’s also common that the LL might give some kind of credit to the Tenant for TI improvements assuming 1.

I'm not quite there yet myself as the acceptable low barrier criteria credit score is super low. 

I'd love to hear your success stories, tips for using them effectively, and situations where they may or may not be the best fit.

However, I will get a credit from the electric company for the excess electricity the panels produce.

Hearing out all advice and tips on starting out and getting my first property 

Thanks for the tip!