Is there any advice on how to improve my currently non-existent credit score in order to secure a mortgage and what to look for in properties to house hack besides the fact that it should be a multi-family home? 

I offered a price that fit my plan & improved vacancy rate.

Meeting lots of folks who want to improve their real estate business.So there you have my opinion and how I feel!

. - sounds like you've done some good reflecting - being honest with yourself about your abilities will go a long way towards improving your odds of success.

Spending $20 on preventative pest control will really improve your life. 2. 

If you pay $1M for a building improvements (you can't depreciate dirt), they won't let you expense that all at once and force you to take it as a "cost"  spread over 27.5 years (approx. $36.5K/year offset against income).

Improving a credit score is another key component and you're tackling that as well. 

We have expanded our practice to offer in-building wireless systems that are designed to improve cellular coverage in mid to large sized buildings with coverage issues.  

My clients are generally living in their BRRRR's for a year(ish), raising value, improving financials and refinancing out. 

Here are a two real situations that I'm having trouble determining:1. paying off short-term hard money when commercial financing was delayed  -- this seems permissible since it's not long term debt2. performing improvements on rental properties -- these were planned but delayed due to COVID-19 has put these on hold.Any tax pros or attorneys here than can better assist to what is and is not permitted use for our EIDL loan?