He's requiring me to take the Texas RE Sales course & exam, even if I don't become an active agent.

@Anthony Martin ,I am active in the Self- Storage niche and just wanted to clarify something I noticed in your post.

You can also use a trust which is my favorite option to complete such a transaction.

I've run various scenarios with the current market activity and think that as long as I live in the place for at least 2-3 years and do most of the renos myself, I won't lose any money (worst case scenario).

I'm with Dale.Real Estate Investors tend to be more pro-active... wanting more direct control of their investments and expecting to reap a greater reward due to their efforts.

Knowing what is going to be the next, big thing in real estate is important so we are able to provide financing for real estate investors who are active in those specific niches.With government-backed financing available in plenty for multi-family, assisted living, to name a few, these property types have been extremely popular among real estate investors in recent years.

It is wise to head their same concerns as they are more active right now in the market than you.

Shop it around and tell the people you talk to that you're actively shopping looking for the best deal.

Don't know about winston/clt but there's one in Asheville that seems reasonably active. http://www.creianc.org

As far as improving your score:The most recent activity, good or bad, has the highest impact on your score.