Being creative, while recognizing the risk, is the name of the game. 

She ended up positioning herself as an editor who can write, which meant the editing department saw her resume first and the writing department liked having a "writer friendly" editor on staff (conflicts between writers and editors can be huge at some companies).Other companies create "subdivisions" to keep their brands separate in the minds of their customers.

Usually, I see it achieved in 3 ways:Using a HML that can do 100% financing of costs (assuming that gets you to about 75% of ARV) through creative means like cross-collateralization or down payment reserve.Using a combination of lenders (hard or private money) in different lien positions to achieve 100% cost financing or 75% of ARV. 

I'd suggest checking out the International Real Estate Forum here on the site.There are also some writers on here that invest internationally as well.

How are yall handling the utility bills do the tenants pay, are yall billing them back, or has anyone can up with another creative solution?

Sounds like there is room to get creative here. 

Our deal now should be an easy, straightforward SFH, no assigns or creative anything. 

I am particularly interested in learning creative ways around money and credit right now until I'm prepared for large financial investments or loans that rely on personal credit.

I think I get it...I'm going to need some creative financing to make these numbers happen...like Owner-financing.

I think Visio has some creative products for folks with little or no W-2 income.