How would you start out with $30k?

[Adam Walter]

I have been wondering, I am aware of many seasoned investors are prevalent on this site and this also goes to anyone who has dived into the investing world. 

Knowing what you do now, and in your specific housing market. If you were starting from scratch again how would you put this to best use. 

What strategy would you use? What finance options? Buy and hold etc etc

For me being a foreigner (United Kingdom) my concern is my lack of accumulated credit in the United States. I am aware of the alternative lending options lease options, partnerships, bank mortgages etc I am sure their is many more. 

I am very new to the world of real estate investment so I would love to learn what you real estate vets would do?

Thanks again 

Hopefully see some of you guys in a month or two!

[Bob Derwin]

I would start by going to a bank to see how much of a loan they will pre-qualify you for.  By doing this, you will find out if conventional financing is currently an option for you.  If you do not pre-qualify for conventional financing, you are left with any of the following:  commercial/portfolio loan from a community bank/credit union, owner financing, partnership, or a hard money loan.