(Avoid big banks, try local banks, credit unions, or mortgage brokers.) 

I've been using Local Banks and credit unions (Portfolio lenders). 

I'm going thru the credentialing process and they're currently asking me what Fair Credit reporting act (FCRA) system I will be using for decision making.

Jay Hinrichs points out in podcast 222 that one should pay off their properties sooner than later, in case something unforeseen/bad happens, you have multiple (good) exit strategies.You can still leverage your properties - you can get a HELOC (actually there is no such thing for investment properties, it's called portfolio line of credit or asset based LOC) and you'll be able to use it in case the need appears, without paying interest all the time.Let me know the conclusion you reach.

If you have a high end rental, you'll have more deposit and tenants will be concerned about having bad credit and won't likely just take off and leave you hanging with repainting. 

I have cash that I've saved but cannot use because I have not kept it in the bank so I am paying off my car with that and then taking a new loan out against to show history of the money and then I am taking a loan against my 401k to cover the rest.  

You should set up an ideal situation with one like a line of credit with them and then once you have a purchase, go to someone else and refi it. 

Long story short,  here is the deal:-He will give me essentially an interest free line of credit.  

Tenants with problem pets such as Pit Bulls, Rottweiler's, etc.I would ask the current owner to get you a 5 year claim history of the building.

@Wayne Brooks The backstory: The previous owner purchased two duplexes with both properties next door to one another in which one of them was the one I own now.It's has been a challenging scenario to follow the history of the conveyance but from what I can comprehend two owners ago their was a slight discrepancy .