New REI, Help Please

[Gary Coleman]

Hello, I am new to the site but from what I have read so far. I am amazed and grateful to find this. I am new to the real estate business. My goal is simple... to have the ability to buy and flip properties and expand from there. There are several problems with my case though. I do not have good credit, I have some, not good. Not a lot of liquid cash to start as of right now. And finally, I am new to the business and the terminology. My question is simple. What do I need to do first? I plan to educate myself for about 4-6 months before I can say i am really ready. What is the best way to buy and flip a property with little to no money down? Can someone explain a hard-money loan in real estate investing and how hard or easy is it to actually acquire? I am looking for methods that have been proven to be helpful to the real everyday grinders. Any advice would be helpful though. I thank any of you in advance. I plan to be very active with my questions. Thank You