Have no idea for direction.

[Shi Esguerra]

Hi gang! I’m Shi, newly introduced to real estate investing, and not sure where to start. I’m a home owner that would like to start building a portfolio but just lack the knowledge and direction. 
Are there investment friendly mentors that are willing to bring the water hose spray down a tad for me so I can learn next steps? At this point when I began seeking property for buy and hold, I learned that I have the credit score but not the 20% down. I'm just learning about HELOC but have been told to try and fund w OPM. The idea of going the route of small multifamily sounds like it may be a better route than a single buy and hold for my family. Hang up is the inability to house hack (I'm living in our primary w our family of 6), our VA is tied up (so no lower down expectations).
Kind of feels like I have my row boat and paddle on the trail but zero direction to the water. Any wisdom is greatly appreciated, thanks!