Not only do you have the days off to get an advantage over the other W-2 9-5ers looking for deals,  but the firefighter shift is great time to analyze deals and grow your knowledge during those lulls waiting for that jolt from the fire tones.

I'm trying to determine if I'll need to stop putting my rent on my CC 3 months prior to applying for financing or shifting around how I pay for my monthly living costs.I know in commercial lending the asset is used for determination of loan issuance more than the individual purchasing the asset, being that residential is more about the purchaser I was curious to what extent my current debt handling would impact me.

I withdraw rent weekly and bi weekly, automatic payments withdrawn from ach or credit card accounts.

There will be some shifting of positions but it should be doable if the equity is there.

I’m looking for an automatic rent payment solution.  

Without any deals, you can't possibly establish an automatic process that fits your business.

If you are approaching retirement, then we might shift the conversation back to deleveraging your portfolio...

You helped me realize that my best strategy is to sell and shift the proceeds into syndication which is my #1 investment vehicle today - especially with my primary goal being cash flow.

I don' want to get too creative in this response, but there are many of ways to have your way with sellers to accomplish your profitable deals.Write an offer on a skinny contract with a delayed settlement subject to possession - always use "banking days" and build-in an automatic extension - this way you will have it when you need it, (and you will, nothing goes  as expected!)

They paid a whole year's rent in advance when they moved in 2 years ago and have always paid the monthly rent on time, by automatic bank transfer since then.