Two, you'll have a much easier time obtaining a mortgage product if you have a track record of W2 income.In the meantime, continue implementing the strategies you mentioned: save religiously, build your credit, pay any existing debt owed, etc.

my experience has been (1) I can obtain the same rental rate for a 6 month lease that I can for a 60 day “stay” if FULLY furnished (2) some of these 6 month rental turn into 2 years or more.  

I am on a real estate journey to grow and obtain a potent Real Estate Portfolio.

First, most investors and owners of real estate related businesses are in one or more of the following situations1- they’re unable to duplicate their expertise that drives the ROI and they are at their personal max capacity as to time2- they’re obtaining high ROI by use of excessive leverage 3 - they’re obtaining high ROI by taking excessive risk4- they hit correct timing in the correct market, and this is not necessarily repeatable with any probabilityIn order for an investment or business to scale, we need the ROI (on a risk adjusted basis) to be sufficient to cover a PREMIUM risk adjusted return to passive investors; all expenses of managing the assets and the business, and a significant return to the “sponsor” providing compensation to him making the work, risk and time worth while. 

- Should I go back to school and obtain an Associates degree in Real Estate? 

I would focus on improving your credit and obtaining a more stable income so that conventional financing is an option. 

Taylor kept insisting that we obtain and send a copy of these articles with the state seal directly on them.

It's easy to obtain, costs very little, and doesn't require extra, on-going effort to maintain.

I would love to give you more insight, and I really think you should consider obtaining at least one co-living investment, especially because you are in Estes Park, Grant!

Is that process too complicated, yes, but there is nothing in this decision that will prevent a tax sale purchaser in MD from reselling at a profit after obtaining the property by foreclosing the right of redemption.