Which comes first, the property or the financing?

[Larken Ewing]

Hi, everyone. 

I'm looking into different methods on how I want to get started in real estate investing but I have a question. How exactly does it all work? I've just started my research so maybe I don't fully understand the beginnings of the process yet but here is a scenario I go over in my head:

I find a property that I like and want to buy. Do I then go and get the financing I need (bank or hard money lender and let's pretend this includes the money for the property, closing costs, etc) and then go back to the agent and say I'm ready to buy? With that option, I'm assuming the agent would move on and sell to the person who has the money already, or is that where a good faith deposit comes in? Even so, there's no guarantee I get the loan. Or do I have to start looking for properties after already obtaining a loan? Will banks or lenders approve a loan without it being for a specific property? Do I request a loan within a specific budget and then go property shopping with that? 

Any help with the above questions would be so much appreciated! 

Thank you :)