I've got one LTR property that I'm trying to pay off prior to taking any additional risk in the form of loans.

Take the money you would be forced to pay for the course and use it to buy your first property and take off from there. 

Required distros for tax consequence.At the same time I kinda snicker a bit since the buyer... the investor... thinks they found the next Apple or Tesla investment (and they are clearly the smartest in the room), and then go off the rails when it all goes south, I can't help but shake my head and have a small giggle.A fool and their money soon go separate ways, Yes, but don't you wonder how they got together in the first place?

just wanting to get BP people's opinion on what way is the best route to go with regards to buying RE with leveraging or getting properties paid off as soon as possible and why?

Plan B is that if I'm unable to refi, I'll sell off my only SFR and then I can pay off over 60% of the credit card debt and then I'll try again to refi.

Because I'll save money in interest by paying off the principal faster. what am I missing?

They used each and every white towel to wipe off buckets of makeup.

How does one access the off-market deals?

Happy to jump on a call if you want further insight into Hammond and the people you don't want to piss off:) 

A lot of home buyers are turned off by properties in need of renovations.