Hard credit inquires initiated by you the volume does affect the score some but not a major driver as other metrics they weigh.If your score is really low then there is usually a lot more than extra inquiries going on.To be a successful investor there has to be a life shift on how to manage and grow money with using credit.A bad use of leverage might be taking vacations, running up credit cards for toys, buying cars, etc. that have depreciating assets and do not give off a monetary return.Conversely if you do not load up on bad debt then that helps qualify  for the good debt.

And 2. he is active in his church and can pass along our business cards.

I only have access to 40k max in cash through family, but I have excellent credit myself and credit cards.  

What is the best place to get business cards made?  

@Bayard PNo, the banks (BMO & TD) don't require in-person as they will mail the signature card to you.

Also get some business card and past them out door-to-door.  

I would get her a generous gift card to an expensive restaurant, and definitely write her some good reviews.  

Then hand out your business card to ten people you have never met, every day, for a month."

You can open a saving account at a bank(s) and get a loan against it or get a secured credit card.  

REIA meetings will be attending my first one this month already have business cards made up for it and my certificate printed out.