Wouldn't it make more sense to get the pre-approval first that way when he identifies the target property and puts an offer in he can tie it up, do 14 or 21 day loan contingency and use that time to secure the loan?

The official term for SEC8 is the Housing Choice Voucher - with choice being the operative word.  

All security deposits held by the seller are transferred to the buyer at the time of closing.

Equity Build and EquityBuild Finance are being sued by the Securities and Exchange Commission for running a Ponzi scheme. 

Most times just putting some type of secure cover on it will suffice as it's usually an insurance company concern.

If you don't have any credit yet (car loan, credit card, etc) a good place to start is getting a secured credit card with your bank, which should help you start building a credit report and score.

If the Line of Credit is secured against a piece of real estate that would help in most most cases. 

I just became a pro member a day or 2 ago and watched the webinar on multi families (I know there is more out there on the subject I've listened to Crushing it in apartments and commercial real estate by Brian Murray around 5 times now) but I just don't know if I'm suppose to go secure my finances first or look for a deal first.

(You should read The 10X Rule if you haven't).And maybe one day you'll be the retired real estate investor at a retirement home who has a killer development deal for the 90-year-old civil engineer who never quit taking action either.well I am not 90  but I still do continuing ed on my mortgage bankers license even though I have not used it officially in 6 years and I keep my CA brokers license active even though I have not been there in 18 years  LOL.. its a pride thing.. along with I don't want to have to take the tests again.. 

I will be installing new security cameras around the area but that will only capture what has happened.