When we hear about credit, we often hear the negatives. We ourselves have warned against credit card debt on this very blog. However, credit in itself is not always a bad thing. Just like anything in the world, responsible, informed use of credit cards and be advantageous to your investment career.

When it comes to the big financial decisions in life, one of the biggest obstacles that can stand in the way of success before you even start is credit. More specifically, bad credit. For real estate investors hoping to purchase their first property, bad credit can be a huge problem when you’re relying on bank financing to get you there.

If you’ve ever wanted to invest in real estate, the first thought that likely comes to mind is whether or not you can afford it.

Money is the central theme around investing in real estate—spending it to get properties and improve properties, and then earning it from tenants, building up savings or a retirement fund, and then repeating the cycle as it builds on itself.

But there’s a major hurdle that can come across the path of a would-be investor: bad credit. Bad credit or a general lack of funds can seem like a massive problem. After all, doesn’t acquiring real estate require a down payment and approval for a mortgage? How in the world can you get approved if your credit is terrible?

No matter what method of financing you as a real estate investor pursue, your credit score is always paramount to both opportunity and success in the business. Your credit score goes hand-in-hand with your reputation: except this time, it’s all money. So much can hinge on just that number.

Real estate investors, who often deal with financing with banks, private lenders, and partnerships, need to do everything they can to keep their credit score well above average. You want a glowing record so that you never have to worry about not being approved on financing for your next investment property.

So real estate investors—here are a few tips to put in your tool kit.