Any suggestions for finding a general contractor or service that offers apartment turn services, preferably in Louisville, KY? 

My biggest question is should I roll my old 401(k) into an individual IRA or should I wrap the two together and then borrow from them the way you're suggesting above.The idea of borrowing from my 401(k), and then paying it back over five years is really appealing.

My next suggestion which maybe of bigger help is to find and join or attend a couple REIA meetings or groups, they are often your best source for contacts and to get a real time pulse of what is going on in your market area.

As suggested, focus on what the rest of the credit report tells you regarding history of collections, accounts 60 and 90 days overdue and just how much of this applicants funds are tied up in financial obligations (car loans, student loans, etc.)

Do you have any suggestions on how to educate myself before jumping in to purchase something and then being hit with fees or extra expenses I'm not prepared for?

Hello, I'm Paula and I've been interested in real estate for quite some time now and I'm ready to make that next step.Throughout my research, I did not come across any information suggesting whether or not a real estate investor should form a business entity, such as a LLC or a S-corp. 

Any and all suggestions and comments are welcomed.

If you decide on getting your license and need some suggestions on schools and what not PM me and I'll send you over info.

Any suggestions?

If I was you, I would seek out a small local bank & try to obtain a commercial loan for each property you want to buy  .If you can't do that then I would seek out private money from somebody that you know or know of.I would also strongly suggest trying to get the owner to finance if you can.There are lots of ways to get money, but hard money lenders should probably be your last choice.