You're in a major metropolitan market so there's a way somewhere to get it done...provided the numbers are right and your income & credit are solid.Beyond that, you can always keep the unit you are in and seek another unit with owner financing....where someone is sick of it or is retiring.  

The finances are a pain for them and they may not want to deal with them now.

I've gotten to the point where I'm seeking to start and grow a real estate portfolio. 

I probably will at some point, however.When I'm seeking investors to fill an offering I don't use the webinar as a general solicitation, rather, the link is shared to investors with whom I do have a pre-existing relationship, just like you would do with any other marketing document or offering circular.  

Throw in some damage, uncleanliness and a final utility bill that hasn't come through yet all in a 14-day deadline and that's a pain, too.  

Are you looking to buy & hold in your immediate area or are you seeking outside of your area.

You should seek out a business attorney located in your state to discuss the licensing requirements of your state, as well as how the definitions may apply to your particular business.

Should I now go talk to banks about a conventional loan for "livable" houses or a HML for "non-liveable" houses to get pre-qualified (from what I have been reading, banks will not lend on houses that are not in decent condition) or should I try to get a deal under contract and then seek financing? 

So I know your pain, Torey, with the hard to reach cash flows in California, and Krista, I'd love to hear more from you regarding your experience/view on Scottsdale's market.

My credit is just about 710 now,  im beginning to consider seeking financing ,yet I have no money to put down.