will that improve my score?

It improves cash flow and builds character.

And as a last resort...I'm considering just moving back into the house so that I can better control the situation, make improvements, save on living expenses, etc. until it's sold.

Biggest things I see to improve are Paint, drywall repair, replace the acoustical tile ceiling with drywall, flooring, Counter tops, shower surround.

If you have that sale price (or value based on rents) deduct the costs of improvements, holding expenses and costs of acquiring the property, throw in you required return and you'll have the value to you for that property.

They will manage the project better, they will make improvements that have pay-back, they have a set of trustworthy contractors, etc...

Plus, a major point being it is not an efficient system for keeping others out, making it very easy for other neighborhood's kids, owners' friends, etc., to use our pool all summer without signing appropriate waivers and paying the guest fees involved to help alleviate the cost of maintenance and lifeguard fees just by handing a photo of yourself to the lifeguard early in the season.

You can finance improvements and labor after work has been accomplished, earned equities from products or services like some window company finances new windows after they are installed, this is a contractor financing arrangement.

Then you take the cash flow and create a hefty down payment to improve your bank finance options at the end of the year.

I met with a broker yesterday and she told me it would not be efficient to close with two separate title companies.