I think that in order to feel confident about investing I need to spend about 4 months paying off debts (credit cards, cars) before I can reasonably allocate money to investing.

I've been working during that time with almost perfect credit scores so getting loans to purchase rental properties was a breeze. 

They are a rental guarantee insurance company that helps tenants with less than stellar credit or people that just moved to the US without prior credit history.

If that falls through credit score is very good and I am in the process of trying to find banks that will finance.

What we do though is give you partial credit for the proposed rent on the property that can help you qualify.  

My credit is excellent and because I’m self so employed I have some extra liberties when it comes to my income.

Make sure to screen them (credit/criminal checks and references) and make sure they can afford the rent. 

@Ozie Jackson  Have you tried any local banks / credit unions in your area?

Some other strong contenders that we are exploring for lines of credit now that we are really established, Farmers Bank (in Nashville but do deals here), Planters Bank, and First Advantage. 

There is no better place for real estate info in the entirety of the internet.