Looking for guidance

[Shannon Garces]

Hi BP friends: I am writing because I am so curious how I can get started in investing in my current position. I'll tell you a little about myself... I'm a public school guidance counselor and my husband is in med school. We have two kids and a good amount of cc debt in his name ( as a result of low paying jobs while we were getting our Masters degrees). I have $3,000-$5,000 to get started and excellent credit and minimal cc debt in my name. I've been on BP for about a month now, I listen to the podcasts for about 3 hours a day (my commute is far) as well as audio books on investing. I'm itching to get started and trying to believe that I don't need to be rich to make money, but I'm having a super hard time figuring out my entrance strategy. I also live in NJ very close to the city and know that my first property has got to be close and realistic. I'm thinking that the thing that makes the most sense is a multi family house hacking situation, but the only multis that I can afford need tons of work that I have no money for. Have tried to get a 203k but not having tons of luck. My biggest fear is getting the place and then not having any money for an unforeseen problem. I should mention, I am not at all looking to get rich fast. My husband and I would like to really pursue this as a lifestyle but the only thing I feel like I can do right now is educate myself without putting anything into action. I have looked at houses just to get experience with hopes that something about my financial situation will change for the better, but I am starting to feel like I am wasting my real estate agent's time. Any words of wisdom? It's greatly appreciated!!! Shannon