These agencies rate the issuer's ability — in the agency's opinion — to make regular interest payments and to pay investors back when the bond matures. (getsmarteraboutmoney.ca)
Just in case anyone is following this thread or reading it in the future, I wanted to post an answer to my own question regarding a system for paying investors in your fund. (biggerpockets.com)
Bonds pay investors interest in the form of coupon payments and offer full principal repayment at maturity. (investopedia.com)