Beginner Investor looking for tips on funding and networking

[Anthony Jennings]

I'm a new investor looking for advice on the cost-effective way(s) to begin my real estate investment journey. I recently attained my real estate license (VA) and have already sold multiple homes. However, my ultimate goal is to invest to earn enough passive income to allow me to "retire". Unfortunately, the income I earned from sales went into paying off debt and recurring real estate expenses (e.g., monthly fees). How should I begin my journey being that I have additional money to invest and bad credit (my credit score decreased more than 200 points within the past 16 months)? I also want to be able to accurately get estimates on repairs and gain access to REO properties before they hit the market. HELP!!