Beginning Investor. Process to building Portfolio.

[Alex Critcher]

Im still fairly new to investing and looking to start building my portfolio.

Im confused on where exactly to start first so my question is if I want to put an offer down on a home, do I need to secure funding from a lender first? 

And if so do I tell the lender the sellers asking price? Or the price that I want to offer? How do I know how much to get approved for? 

I have a nice amount build up financially that I could potentially buy some homes cash but not sure if thats the best choice. 

Thank you any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!