So, select your partners wisely. 

Sometimes when we have an emotional piece in the game, we tend to think things are better than they areMarket influence also.....how is the market for units in the $2400 range..... in some markets that's a very select few tenants looking...... so the pool is low to start

Make sure the accountant you select provides tax strategies and that you feel comfortable talking to them because you may be on the phone with them on a monthly basis. 

I personally feel that it is not as easy to invest in the BA because of the high barrier to entry, but once you get in the "snowball" effect is magnified substantially.

I did it in March and closed 3 days before everything effectively shut down.

Have you reached out to any agents (least effective in my opinion)?

All good points  , I will need to take those into effect. 

Select your partners wisely - Realtor, Lender, 203k Consultant, and ContractorREALTOR - it's recommended to work with one that has done a 203k in the past so they know what verbiage HUD wants to be added to the purchase offer contract and how to structure the dealLender - advice you to select a lender with verified 203k experience; the lender is the quarterback in the process, controlling the rules, paperwork, processes, procedures, and if the lender does not have sufficient experience with the 203k, your entire process can look like the Cleveland Browns on a Sunday afternoon203k Consultant - the lender is responsible for selecting the 203k Consultant (refer to Lender paragraph above); this person determines the scope of work and pricing for the projectContractor - strongly advise you to select a Certified 203k Contractor; this person does not set the pricing (see 203k Consultant info above) but does need to know the different versions of the 203k, payment methods, timelines, paperwork, and processes; definitely don't want to work with a contractor who is going to "wing it" on a 203k.

What are the best and time effective ways to build credit?

If you're looking to invest out of state I would suggest picking a specific market vs selecting one specific turnkey provider.