Order of Operations for brand new investor looking to get going

[Ryan Chorbagian]

Hello everyone.

Aside from my introduction, this is my first forum post.   My question is about the right order of operations for starting out.  I realize this will vary from situation to situation.  Looking for generalities at this point.

Quick note about me; my wife and I are renters in Chicago. The lease is up in July '15. We are looking to buy a duplex, triplex, or fourplex to live in and rent the other units. Interested in the FHA and 203k loan. We have about $15,000 cash to invest.

Simply put, when do we:

-Apply for the loan

-Start working with a buying agent

-Start seriously looking at properties

-Talk to lenders

-Anything I've forgotten

etc...

I've read the BP beginner's guide and have been reaching out to folks on this website which has been great.  But now I find myself looking through different listing websites, not really sure what to do next.   I hate to say it, but I already feel stagnant. Ready to MOVE!

Thanks for reading!