@Kirshner Baptiste-  It might take a few years if it's really that bad, but if you're serious about becoming an investor, you should commit to improving your credit score.  

Do you have the funds to commit to a strong campaign and support yourself?

@Matt Ransom "Timeline" I would ask them when exactly (1, 2 or how many months) they can commit to getting their finances in order to be able to pay the rent on time and stay current.  

However, I don't want to end up homeless, or worse, land myself in jail because I didn't cross a t or dot an i.

@Jesse Fisher @JR T. makes a good point about trusts, BUT, unless you purchase in the name of the trust, and any mortgages are in the trust's name, it'll be clear who the owner is (you) with minimal research.

Self-management has been a tremendous learning experience, but is also a big time and energy commitment. 

t the entire time? 

As you said, any investor will want to see the numbers so be prepared to show your gross income, operating expenses, NOI, and CAP rate for at least the last two years and have your T-12 handy.  

@Jennifer CheuMy mortgage commitment date was 8/15 and we had to extend this back until 8/21 but more so because the appraisal report was sent in late and there was some last minute issues between FHA and Insurance.Outside of that, we are still on pace to close this Friday 8/25 and I have no complaints with them at all.

The IRS will only issue an EIN for an IRA trust account if the individual intends to file Form 990-T (Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return) or Form 1041 (U.S.