Your first step should be getting a pre-approval for a loan so you know what your purchase budget looks like.

My first home had a 12.25% APR loan and it was easy to see that a goal of paying off the mortgage early was similar to expected mutual fund yields.Today, as a REI, I look at it differently.

I learned what I needed to and passed my test, which is what matters for a pre-license course.  

Has anyone had experience in dealing with the USDA on a pre-foreclosure.

A prime example is a short term rental at a ski resort.

I get mailers all the time from my credit union with a blank check telling me I am pre-approved for a personal loan up to $25k (at 9% interest though)... assuming this wouldn't throw your DTI out of whack you could also take a cash advance on a 0% APR credit card (usually there's a 2 to 4% transaction fee).  

I would try to get 0% apr card to hold the renovation cost after you are close then pay it off with the rental income. 

It's simply a pre-approval to borrow money.

Find someone to invest 54k with me, give them 7% APR.

I finished my last project with a CC from Amex Blue Business plus 30K 0 APR the first year and 2 x bonus points plus a signup bonus.