Getting started...basic questions. Help appreciated!

[Maureen Healy]

Hi everyone. I have been studying REI for several years now, but have yet to make the leap into actually getting started, mainly because I am still unsure how/what I can do in my situation.

I have quite a bit of credit card debt and no savings, so I don't know what to do to get going. I am interested in buying a couple of rental properties in the Portland area, and eventually doing some rehabs.

A year ago, I purchased my first property to live in, but I have no other experience. I am working 2 jobs right now to get the debt paid down, but it will still take quite a while.

I was thinking of contacting a hard money lender to see what I need to do to get in the position to be able to buy something.

Any suggestions?