I have 28 years with my banker and have had the LOC for 25 of those years so lots of track record..

Other people’s thoughts of you doesn’t affect what you are capable of!

If this is your first project, your partner will most likely need to be friend or family... someone who knows you really well since you have no track record. 

Nope, most lenders don't give loans to new RE Investments companies without a track record / collateral 

In the half-century that the government has tracked applications, the worst week ever, with 695,000 so-called initial claims, had been in 1982.

Besides being scrupulously honest, he is also extremely capable, knowledgable, and patient.

You're on the right track! 

This is not a dig at them, it's a dig at Dave Ramsey.He's an absolute idiot when it comes to investing whether it be securities or real estate and his track record shows that. 

2 - How do I get an inside track to deals?

I'll only rent to someone (as usual) that I deem to be able to pay the rent.I am lucky that I don't have mortgages on any of my long term rentals so I have the ability to help out my tenants short term or even forgive some rent to get back on track.