Recently started researching real estate and need suggestions.

[Cody McGough]

Hello, 

My name is Cody McGough and I just recently started growing interested in real estate investing. I recently graduated college and secured my first job. After working for a few months, I realized I don't want to be stuck in the rat race for the rest of my life and want to start building my investment portfolio. I have been lucky enough to have been gifted an amount from my parents that would really help me with down payments on properties in the future. I know I want to start small (single family) and work my way towards multi-family. I feel that I'm a long way before purchasing my first property, but any suggestions on what I need to do before considering purchasing my first property?