We have summer rental season too so 9 months is our lease, even with year round leases don't expect them to stay long. 

If you rent it and can hold onto it for 6-12 months (depending on bank) to season it you could do a cash-out Refi and get up to 75% of the appraised value back, that would be all your cash and credit card debts and would still have it to rent and no tax.Did you buy the REO from a local bank or was it straight from Fanny/Freddie (homepath homesteps)? 

Right now I think I'd like to buy SFR, but I think I'd be open to an apartment building after I'm a little more seasoned.  

I have found biggerpockets to be a wealth of information for both beginners and seasoned investors.  

They also said I could refi the loan without any seasoning period.So, reach out to a bunch of banks and see what they have to offer.

I'm guessing that method is very popular amongst seasoned investors - but they would/should only be looking to do that if their anticipated profits on top of their higher interest repayments are STILL as good as their 'normal' mortgaged ones ie.

If you do good, if not this is very important part of your finances and you need to have a seasoned checking account open.

I'm a seasoned general & manufactured home contractor & dealer/developer, Real Estate Broker, investor and property manager.

Although there are a variety of different ways to source your first property, my best recommendation is to link up with a local, seasoned, investor.

What angle can I pitch the investors I work with to bring me into the deal as an equity partner (NOT a commission) given they are all seasoned and have all the pieces to the puzzle.I appreciate everyones advice in advance.