So Many Options! Help!

[Keith Green II]

Hello world, 

So, i've lived below my means, I saved, I researched, I received my pre-qualification, I was advised to shop around. Here's where all the options started raining down on me. 

FHA, Conventional, NACA (so far the best deal). Then more questions came into play. where to buy? How much to spend? Do I buy an investment first or a personal property? Do I use OPM or put down 20%? Hard money? Distressed deals? I've read up on some of these terms and concepts but alas.. My eyes are crossed now and I'm more confused than when I started.

A bit about me:

I live and work in the Bay Area of NorCal

I want to get in the pool with the cool kids (Get in the market "short term goal")

I would like to become an investor in buy, hold, rent, leverage and repeat (long term goal)

I saved 50k 

I have no debt

I work in Tech sector 

I'm seeking guidance on the path to success. I know there are people who have already done what I'm trying to do and I just need to follow the blueprint. I would appreciate some guidance on this as it is a lot of money and I'd love to avoid making mistakes by heeding some of the wisdom offered here by the experts and vets. 

Thanks in advance,

Keith