At that point there's an element of risk that goes into any purchase.

So now I am starting to run toward the pleasure of being in control of my own time and having the ability to spend time with my family.

But you should know that retirement accounts can be self-directed, meaning that you now have the ability to invest in alternative investments such as real estate, tax-liens, trust deeds, private lending, etc. etc.I would argue with you that that one of the worse plans that the insurance industry has come up with is the cash-value insurance policies that some of the insurance agents sell who are interested in fat commissions checks when they sell such policy and disguise them as retirement plans. 

Your credit score has nothing to do with your ability to finance it, the lender will be looking at the property, not you personally, so the property value and the income property produces will play a role. 

(You don't actually have the ability to move it to a new forum, that's admin-only.)

Rental income has the ability to create a positive cash flow.

We purchased our first investment property late last year and think this years taxes are going to be beyond my abilities to do properly.

Which one/option will give me the greatest ability to reduce my tax liability? 

I ended up getting a bill for $2100.  

Even if it is creative financing--it will be your deal and you sink or swim on your own abilities.