Matt I'm really sorry that you're having trouble and I be happy to talk to you on the phoneStaying out of trouble with the real estate commission has to do with full disclosure to the seller and if you're acting agent for you can list it, if you're not acting agent for you can act as a principal, and you can have both those positions in the same conversation when you have a listing appointmentIf seller has a low equity deal listing and they bring cash to closing is one choice, and also is you can offer to buy the property on a wrap or subject to offer that's another choice, and lastly you could facilitate to a wrap buyer for a fee a wraparound mortgage saleNow I will tell you this:  that some brokers don't like anything creative.

I love Entrepreneur on Fire and Smart Passive Income.

Self directing is simply a different business model that allows for a broader choice of investments.  

(If not let me know) Also, is opening a credit card account the smart/best way to start building credit.

You are off to a great start... but work smart, not hard.

Getting started in real estate investing with an owner occupy multi-family is a smart way to go if you can generate decent cash flow.I would suggest that you start attending the local REIAs, Both Rarebird and North West REIA boast a group of really knowledgeable investors and it will give you a chance to network and learn about the industry.

Like all choices in life, there is compromise.  

The area it is in has no other choice than increase in value, and any monies I will invest will get a decent return now in today's market.  

I have a line of credit and would like to know if it is smart to use this line of credit for a down payment on my first investment property?

My choice is to be happy, healthy and have enough $ to do anything I want when I want to.