Starting out in REI with LOW money and student loans. How?

[Shawn Smyth]

I'm 28. I'm not broke, but I definitely don't have a huge savings. I work an 8-5 and love my dogs. My DTI ratio is about 40%, I have lots of student loan debt, and I cannot currently save but maybe $100/month.

After listening to tons of BP podcasts, it seems like most of similar people in my situation had no idea what they were doing going into their first deals...besides knowledge of terminology and what not. I'm currently reading Brandon's book on investing with low and no $, but wanted to throw some feelers out and get some opinions/advice. 

Thanks for everything!- Shawn, Baltimore, MD