I have a low 800 credit score and can't find local bank or mortgage company to give me a loan prior to settlement on a cash deal.

Test score performance is directly related to neighborhood demographics...

I am very glad that I did that, because we do all our screening through Appfolio, which uses Experian for credit checks, and we also report to Experian Rent Bureau, which records lease dates, owed balances, and also can help boost or drop a credit score based on the tenants payment history.

So yes, the place is small and the area isn't that great, but it's increased in value almost $250K over the past four years so I'm ready to sell and walk away.Elizabeth Colegrove , I guess I'm "risk averse", and despite a > 800 FICA credit score, I'm not sure how easily I'd get a reasonable mortgage since I'm hoping to use the rental income to replace my W2 income within  couple of years.My basic goal is to purchase enough units (1-2) within two years to cover my day to day expenses until I start drawing from my retirement accounts and portfolio in my mid 60s (20 years from now.)

Score!

At present, with my credit score and available cash, I qualify for a 300K loan, which doesn't buy anything in this area.

For instance, my area (Denver, CO) scores badly on a lot of "liveability" indexes in the weather area because the high temps are so high and the low temps are so low.

I'm considering a minimum credit score of 700, income of at least twice monthly rent, no pets and good rental references. 

If you're buying land or a run-down property that is owned free and clear by the seller then sometimes they will finance it to you on a land contract for 10% down.Most banks will be looking for a credit score around 600, 2 months of paystubs and will usually lend no less than 50k.

We are working to get our credit scores where they need to be.