Getting started...need some thoughts/advice with this strategy

[Bruno Greig]

BP community, I need some advice. I want to get started with real estate investing, specifically with townhouses within my county (St. Johns, Florida). I have a strong desire to start and have studied countless books, attended webinars, and listened to podcast after podcast. Problem is, not having 20% down for a conventional loan and the amount of time it would take to save up for that kind of money. My credit rating is excellent (low 800's) but no real money to invest. I have an excellent job with long term stability and I have about 40K of equity in my home. Are there any options (such as refi to pull some cash out or HELOC) in order to break the ice and get started in real estate investing?

Thank you,

Bruno