Further on down when we get the below which blows it up:Home acquisition debt is a mortgage you took out after October 13, 1987, to buy, build, or substantially improve a qualified home (your main or second home).

I also want to be conscious that I'll need to be patient and need to find a deal that actually makes sense.The more I learn, the more I'm realizing how important it is to improve the property at some capacity, if I want it to appreciate overtime.

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.