In order to qualify for the lower capital gains tax rate on “carried interest,” investors will now have to hold their assets for three years instead of the former one-year holding period.

The financial partner qualified for the mortgage and put up the down payment, closing costs, reno's etc.

Then purchase real estate that qualifies (lots of options there.) 

Most of the time  that is due to the ability of the planner and skill of the carpenter.

If financing personally you might qualify for Fannie/Freddie debt which is the cheapest2.

I don’t qualify for first time home-buyer.

Many investors run into issues with raising capital due to errors from years ago, particularly issues that effect their credit, so the question is do tradelines work to enhance your credit to the cream of the crop and qualify you for the best terms and rates for your fix and flips and buy and holds?

It also gave me huge appreciation for the skilled trades we hire now and for the rolls that go into this business. 

The problem is that credit dried up, so even qualified buyers had a harder time getting loans.

You can always find something to deny on or go with a different availabilty date/better qualified applicant.