Getting started in Real Estate with bad credit possible?

[Paul Cabrera]

Hello Biggerpockets forum! 

My credit took a beating thanks to bad credit card usage years ago and also due to a unsettled bill. Is it possible to get started investing in real estate now? or should I continue working my current job in sales and build up my credit before starting in real estate?

[Greg Scott]

@Paul Cabrera

"Getting started" can mean a lot of things, so the answer has to be "Yes!"

 - Education can be time intensive, and the more the better.   Start by reading, listening to podcasts, joining groups.  All of that is helpful to get the ball rolling

 - Clean up your credit.  That is a two prong approach, of course.  It starts by controlling your expenses today and living within your means (i.e. dont create new credit problems).  Then, start cleaning up credit history.   Cleaning credit is not an common sense approach.  Engage a reputable credit repair company.

 - Network with people in the business so you can start to develop your team and define your strategy.

Ideally you want to put the pieces in place so that the moment it is apparent you are ready, you can move fast.