Was advised to build credit for 6-12 months from lender but am wondering if there are any other options out there!

Aside of the biggerpockets offerings, what else is out there?

There are people on the Internet who teach this skill for price- I don't have a direct recommendation, but they're out there.

But one of the best resources I've found is just reading, and listening to, as many books on the subject as I could find to really help deepen my knowledge and expertise.I actually just started listing to audio books over the last year or so and found a great app called Libby, that you can download for free through the Cleveland Public Library system and there's tons of great audiobooks on real estate and investing that I listen to when I'm driving and has helped me a lot!  

This is not to say there aren't bankable borrowers with good projects.

Are there specific ways to build trust or present the proposal that you’ve found particularly effective?

Alternatively, she offers guest services for a fixed rate, but then there's the question of how burdensome handling bookings would be if I manage that myself.

Also, I am not a tax expert but, you should claim all of your expenses from day one from my understanding there are many costs you can claim because of your expenses.

I agree with your interpretation of the pricing trends, and I think with interest rates going down there's some chance of an upswing in the next year or so.

It's a small property, and there's very possibility for a financial little upside to anyone who leases from you (no farming, hunting etc) so you're looking at annual type recreational or maybe 'off-grid' type tenant.