@John Beck your best bet is to start with local banks and credit unions who know and understand the area. 

@Amra Mujakic and for reference sake, my timeline was based in Florida's 63 credit hour requirement.

I've read Rich Dad Poor Dad and listen to stuff from Graham Stefan and others on YouTube.

The security deposit covers borrowers credit check and basic administrative costs before the loan transfer will be initiated".Any thoughts on this maneuver?

Read Rich Dad Poor Dad.

I am wanting to get into real-estate but don't have the best credit...

I too saw the good reviews which is why I chose it, but here is my feedback:- I found it to be incredibly poorly written so much so that it was hard to understand what the question was asking sometimes!

@Jordan Rajchel A good start is to read "Rich Dad/Poor Dad" and "The Book on Rental Property Investing" from Brandon Turner.

You may want to consider selling a stock that has lost value since you acquired it to offset the gain.unfortunately - you are not able to offset the capital gain by re-acquiring it.Did you look to see if you can get a line of credit with the Index fund as collateral?

I have EXCELLENT credit (almost 800) and am a business owner that showing a nice income on my tax returns.