@April Eilers  if they pay anything credit score is relevant but I don't know Virginia.

If you do pay it off an option could be having a line of credit against it that you can use for other deals.

If you have the $ to put down you should be able to get a loan as long as all of your DTI and credit score stuff is good.

A local credit‑union HELOC gives flexibility and interest‑only on what you draw, which I like for optionality, but it uses your personal DTI.

And your entire plan then collapses.Here is an explanation of the challenges of buying an STR late in the year:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/1220969-expla...Your line of credit idea is completely different.

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.

Tie rent to credit reporting.

Shaun,First, 90% LTV is wishful thinking...Second, have you looked LOCALLY at community banks and, especially, credit unions? 

my question is what are you going to use the credit cards for?

The interest rate is between 7.95% and 9.95% depending on credit score.