Single Family Home Investment Plan

[Miljan Vukovic]

I am looking to start in real estate by buying my first rental property. I am hoping to receive some guidance on the following plan:

Currently saving approximately $3,500/month and will be at a total of $22,000 in savings by the end of the year. I am looking to purchase a home with a mortgage in the price range of $55,000-$75,000 with $25,000-$30,000 in repair budget. The home will be renting in the range of $1,100 - $1,300. 

My question is, I am trying to decide if I should consider waiting to save enough so that I can buy the home and pay for the repair in cash, or if I should go the route with the mortgage. 

The future goal would be to refinance on the home and use the refinance loan to purchase a second and so on. 

If anyone has any experience in the above, it would be great to connect.