New Investor Need Help With Strategy

[Jarred S.]

Hello once again everyone. First off I would like to thank all of the BP members for their input and knowledge regarding so many topics. I have posted on here before and received great feedback. Down the road I hope to be able to offer more input on topics to do my part in paying it forward.

I am a new investor with no properties as of yet. Right now I am planning a strategy to be able to purchase my first property within the upcoming year. I have read many real estate books and am addicted to the BP forums. I would like to hear stories, advice, or anything regarding how you all started. I am only 23 and I have read many times the younger you are when you start the better off you may be. I just would like some input on how to structure my plan going forward.

My interest is in single family rentals and am convinced I want to set up an LLC down the road for asset protection. I am finishing my bachelors in economics here in December and plan to be able to save anywhere from $500-$800/month to designate for investment spending. Is there any advice on books to read, websites to follow, how much to save for start up funds? More specifically, is there anything I can do now to make it a bit easier to receive financing? I will have $43k in student loans to pay off down the road. I am wondering how that may hinder my financing. I only have fair credit at the moment.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks all.