Who out there has gone into a local Credit Union or small private bank and actually got a line of credit.  

This seems the best engine to get into buy and hold.While my credit score is in good shape at 793, the down payment is the major roadblock.  

With late cash infusions, work on the house will get delayed.A better option is to secure funding through a Line of Credit, Private Funding, crowd funding, or some other source where there is no red tape to get a $1000 draw. 

I see many times investors spend a lot of time "preparing" (myself included!)

In other words, a commercial line of credit on the whole value of the property.I've got my eye on a 12-unit complex for sale for just under $500K. 

Do i need a good credit and a w2, because I don't have any of that.  

  - What can/should I do over the next 6 months to optimize my financial profile in preparation of buying my first property. - What legal steps should I be taking to reduce future liability and be prepared on the tax front?

Recently moved from Canada so I don’t have any credit or verifiable income, but can put a good down payment down (40k) cash or so.

New subfloor put down to prepare for the new flooring. 

@Raphael TurnerVirginia Credit UnionVirginia Credit Union League has a list of over 190 members.