Seeking advice and open to learn!

[Mary Fonty]

Hello REI,

I currently own a home in Modesto (VA loan @ 4.6%). I've been living here for 2 years and would like to start investing in real estate. My dilemma is that my mortgage payment is $3100 and the max rent I've seen in my area is $2800 so I wouldn't be able to rent it out. I've considered it renting it out by rooms, but that won't help either. My ultimate goal is to buy and hold at least 10 properties (as of now). How else can I start investing? I'm considering wholesaling to start out. I have great credit, some money saved up and ready to start investing. I'm also currently working on getting my real estate license and Project Management certification. I plan on testing for the RE license by December. Any advice is greatly appreciated!