40k to invest - please help

[Jim Coleman]

What I want to do is start buying properties and create a portfolio. I have a 700 credit score, very little debt besides student loans, and 40k to start my portfolio with. 

I was planning on investing in duplex’s first while still living in my apartment and grow from their. My rookie thinking is telling me to split the 40k over several different properties in form of down payments. 

I’ll also add that I did do some cold calling as a real estate Wholeseller and know how to find distressed properties but this time I can actually afford to invest in them. Please let me know how where I should get started! Thanks!