The good ones notice right away and feel safer.Community touchpoints: Simple BBQs, pizza nights, or coffee mornings help residents connect and shift the culture fast.Reputation boost: Ask your good tenants for updated reviews—offer small gift cards as a thank you.

Same holds true with business credit cards (usually after 90 days for credit cards).

Also, there’s an Amazon credit card.

And that’s only if you want to auto download all banking and credit card transactions.

Can I just do some repairs and wait a couple of years (like the first contractor suggested) until I make some money rather than spend 7k or 14k on a credit card paying 15% interest?

Not a big deal.Most important act to raise your score is to open several NEW credit accounts, even if they have to be secured credit cards.

Lost a $7.8 Million Dollar Lawsuit to HoltonWiseTV.Clayton Morris / Morris Invest House of Cards starting to fall___Robert Ellis / Kyle StrokerThis guy Robert Ellis positioned himself as a property developer in Columbus, Ohio over the last couple of years.

Other ways to structure this, build my cost into closing costs and do some kind credit/debit with other things? 

Winter definitely slows things down in many markets, especially in colder regions.A few strategies that have worked for me during the off-season include:Offering slightly reduced rent for longer lease terms (like 15 or 18 months) to avoid winter lease ends in the futureProviding flexible move-in dates or short-term leases that end in spring or summerIncluding small move-in perks like a rent credit or gift card to boost interest without reducing rent across the boardIncreasing marketing efforts and refreshing listings on listing platforms more frequently to stay visibleIt’s all about staying proactive and making your units stand out.

.💻 Office Supplies & Software – Including bookkeeping tools, printers, and even part of your home office.Creative Ways to Give Back — and Still SaveGiving back can also be tax-deductible when done thoughtfully:🎁 Tenant Appreciation Gifts: Small gifts such as gift cards, snacks, or holiday baskets (under $25 per tenant per IRS rules) can be deductible as a business expense.🏘️ Community Donations: Contributing to local charities, shelters, or community events near your property may be tax-deductible if donated to a registered nonprofit (501(c)(3)).🧤 Property Improvement Drives: Donating old appliances, furniture, or materials from renovations to nonprofit organizations like Habitat for Humanity can qualify as a charitable deduction.Pro Tip:Before December 31st, review your receipts, invoices, and bank statements.