I have no private money and my credit is recovering ...

[Account Closed]

I have no private money and my credit is recovering from my irresponsible 15-20 year old period where I was just plain stupid. I now have a stable career but I'm "working for my money" and it isn't working for me. I need to get my finances in order and start "building my asset column." (Yes, RDPD quotes). I'm 24 and I have a wife, son, and car payment but no house payment. I also don't rent. I'm lucky there but the point is I have no line of equity or anything.. I'm just empty. However, I need to know the best way to get into the real estate investing business. I live in the Charleston metro area of South Carolina and yes ... there is opportunity. Ever growing and cranes everywhere! I'm ready to learn and grow but I just need some advice that can get me on the right track. At this point I don't really know any of the technical concepts associated with investing in real estate. I understand intent, purpose, and result but i don't know how to do it. Where do I go? Who do I see? Where do I start? Who (brokers, accounts etc.) do I need to look into hiring eventually? What is the process? I just keep getting mixed answers but I just need my first ACTION step. I'm 24 and I realize my financial situation and every day I see my son get older and he will see me as a poor dad here soon. I want to help him and make him wise but I can't talk unless I've done. I have to DO. I'm not looking to get rich quick, I just want to be WISE.