We currently don't have any debt so we have room to work I'm NYC has some ways to make this deal harder than it looks so please share any Pros and Cons you're aware of. 

would that protect our assets any differently when I pass away and I were to leave a ton of debt in either of our name?

I have above 700 credit and a healthy income as a freelance photographer and almost no debt.

For example maybe getting to know your lenders here in Guam and maybe clearing out debts you may have that can impact your ability to get financed.

Have the verifed income for a cashout refinance to pay off 35k in unsecured debt but am finding it impossible to find someone to do that.

I have been spending the last few months saving and finishing up my degree (graduated with 0 debt) .

I do have a good job, but the quality of life that comes along with it is not great, so I would love to transition to having my money work for me, rather than trading my time for money at some point.I have invested a bit in some debt deals on crowdfunding platforms, and recently invested in a HML fund. 

The costs are Exactly the same as buying any other property.....all debts and liens need to be paid off at closing along with your normal closing costs.  

I am looking into hard money loans but have no experience here with them and with 4 other loans in my portfolio, dont think I would qualify for a conventional loan due to my income/debt ratio.

If they are, you can just serve a 30 day notice after you close and take possession of the unit that way.