I need help pulling the trigger in the right direction.

[Benjamin Blackburn]

Hello everyone, I'm pretty new to BiggerPockets.  This is actually my very first post.  I've just been reading forums, researching, reading more forums, researching x10... 

To get straight to the point, I want to start investing in real estate.  I just don't know the route I need to take when it comes to getting started.  I'm 27 years old, father, husband and basically reality is hitting me right in my face.  I have a 2 year old daughter and another child on the way so I just want to make sure my family is able to live comfortable in the future.  I've always been interested in real estate, obviously I've just never made a move.  My credit is pretty good, 4k in school loans remaining, currently renting an apartment here in Houston and no other debt.

I'm thinking I can get started in a single family rental and just go from there.  I know nothing about how the loans and mortgages work :/... trying to learn as much as possible.

Any suggestions/info/advice ect would be great...

Thank you