how much to get started?

[Chris F.]

I've read lots of talk about how to get startered, and ways of generating cash (wholesaling, birddoging, etc) but no one ever talks about what it takes to get started.

I realze it can depend on you first deal, but let's say I wanted teo skip step one and just start buying properties outright. What's a good figure to have luquid in order to buy your first property and convince the bank you can be taken seriously? Or to put it another way, how much did you (or your "friend" cough) start out with?

Just loooking for a number.