So a good credit score is paramount. 

Of my portfolio, only 2 tenants are current on their rent.The property manager tells me that if they were high credit people, they wouldn't be renting.

I have done it many times, saving the 3% commission credit to myself without using a buyer agent.

Good luck, and be prepared.

And credit issues post disaster and caused by the disaster can be overlooked.

There are many banks and credit union that have different down payment requirements.

Start at the top of the list and call all of the Credit Unions and local/regional banks.

I felt very prepared for the licensing test.

Same story for the cap rate, this varies market-to-market and depends wholly on the building characteristics and credit of the tenant.

Some people consider a loan from the bank using "other people's money" or a credit card advances as "other people's money" but really it's your debt that you owe, interest you will pay, etc.