Minimum credit score/capital needed to start

[Rhoda Agyepong]

I’ve been saving and working on my credit profile with the goal of acquiring my first cash flow property by EOY. What’s the minimum credit score/capital saved you recommend I have before starting (I’m fresh out of college and literally working my butt off to save every dime for my first purchase).

Do I secure financing before engaging a real estate agent? Or do I set a budget, relay this to an agent and then try to find financing? I’m looking at NJ, PA, MA, and Chicago markets (if that helps).