What is the Best Strategy? - First Investment Strategy

[Kirk Zandier]

Hi Everyone!

I appreciate and look forward to everyone's feedback.

I am looking to get into real estate investing in Pittsburgh, PA. I don't want to invest more than 15-20k. With my capital being limited, I have taken interest in the BRRRR strategy. However, using a hard money lender with hopes that the ARV, appraisal and lender will cooperate with my plan makes me nervous - I guess that is just the cost of doing business..

I have also considered trying to flip first to build more capital. Again, I am more than likely going to have to use a hard money lender. Should I be this wary about using a hard money lender or am I overreacting? 

I have picked these strategies as I believe they will help will scalability. The last thing I want to do is buy 1 or 2 properties and be stuck building up another nest egg to purchase my next. 

With that, my question is: If you were a 23 y/o looking to get into investing, but didn't want to corner yourself, by means of limited capital, what approach would you take? 

Thanks!,

Kirk