Hi,Are there creative ways to purchase investment rental properties for less Down payment ?

I use the biggerpockets credit check.

Accepting cash is a terrible idea.I"m less concerned about the credit score as many residents have poor credit.Unless you go through all the steps to qualify them properly, the best steps you can take to avoid financial loss is to not take them on as long-term tenants.

A little stress and discomfort is MOTIVATING.If you need things to be perfect to jump in, DO NOT buy real estate. 

@Zaid JaraWelcome to BiggerPockets and kudos to you for starting at an earlier age than most!

Quote from @Ethan Maciejewski: How do I determine if a tenant should qualify for a resident who has a low credit score but good rental payment history? 

This is a perfect example that legal tools should be used properly, not an argument against the suggestion  of using the tool itself. 

If I find what I want before the current primary sells it would seem the only option is to do a HELOC as I intend to repay it within a year or less.

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

Fill out an application or complete credit/background check, no.