With these loans, we really underwrite the rental performance of the asset vs. the borrower, although credit does play a big factor, along with experience. 

And Jake Mercer has posted a lot of helpful arbitrage tips on this forum which you can find on his profile page.

Some tips:1.

Secure W2 employment, tackle side gigs, save religiously, build your credit, and house hack your first deal utilizing an owner-occupied investment loan.

What tips would you have for someone starting out?

-Tips from veterans who have done similar things-Suggestions on VA loan providers to go through- How to find a good deal in my area- Basic real estate language-How to find and keep tenants -Fixing up property to increase valueIf anyone has suggestions outside of these topics, I'm all ears!

Alternatively, you could open unsecured business credit lines and cards to tap for short-term use to cover down payments and closing costs (there's a company that specializes in helping real estate investors do this).

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.Thanks!

We keep a credit on our account so we can just call down and order an inspection without having to either go there or wait til they get our payment. 

To charge someone 2k to "build business credit" seems unethical.