When/how do I begin investing?

[Ben Feder]

I have only a couple thousand to my name, have a fair credit score, and no debt. I don't bring in much in terms of income. Does it make sense to start investing now, and if so how? I am mainly concerned with not being able to withstand setbacks or unexpected costs, such as damages/repairs, bad tenants, vacancies, etc.

[Dan Maciejewski]

Hello, Ben!  I see you've been active in the forums and you've asked a lot of questions about starting.  

Nobody can tell you what makes sense for you to do.  You have to decide that yourself.  I have people that I've been in touch with for years that still haven't bought an investment, and others that decide and move right away.  You have to determine your level of risk tolerance.  And at the end of the day, you'll have to decide if any particular deal makes sense to you.

That being said, you should also connect in person with local professionals and ask them valid questions about your plans.  There's REIAs (some are better than others), local Realtors and investors, Mortgage Brokers, both residential and commercial, and even Title Companies that can all give you ideas of the market.  You can also talk to house inspectors and contractors.  

Everyone is concerned about the risks, as we should be.  At some point, the only way to make a profit is to risk some capital, whether it's time, expertise, or money.   Fair Credit, No Debt, and some capital puts you in a better position than most, whether or not your income is 6 figures, believe it or not.

Good Luck in your path, and meet some local people -- see how they got started!