What should I be doing prior to my first deal?

[Odalis S.]

Hello all. I'm new to investing and to BP. The only deal I've made has been the purchase of my primary residence. I'd like to build an investing business. I currently have no money saved, a pile of debt which I'm working towards paying down, poor credit and no personal income. My household income comes from my husband's small business and we basically are allocating any extra funds towards debt-reduction. I have no assets other than the tiny amount of equity built up in my primary residence. I've applied and been declined for a home equity loan before.  I'm not sure it's wise/realistic to invest when the rest of my financial house is out of order. But now that I've committed to becoming an investor, I'd like to take action and do SOMETHING that will mean I'm working towards my goal.  My question is what activities should/could I be doing while working on improving my credit and paying off debt that will put me in a position to succeed as an investor in the future? What should/could that "something" be? For example, should I be building a website (what kind of website), should I be networking, educating myself, should I still try to invest at this point in time by finding others who possess good credit and money to partner with or should I wait until I'm in a better financial position, etc.  Thank you for your suggestions!