First steps for maximum leverage in real estate? Thank you!

[Bernard Glincosky]

Hi All, brand new to real estate investing .. have been renting where I live my entire life. Lease is up on my current rental and headed to another rental and from there getting started in investing. $$$ in the bank. Good credit. Approved for 175-200K conventional loan.. still looking into FHA. Own a business that provides a constant cash flow stream each month and requires about 20 hours per week so am very mobile. Have a solid friend who has agreed to help me rehab. Have access to most rehab materials at 20-30% off. Also have access to proof of funds up to 1 million.

Open to suggestions on the next move/first move .. Im ok with being uncomfortable if it will improve my networth..  that is my goal right now along with creating streams of positive cash flow from real estate.  Truly appreciate any feedback! 

Understand there is so many ways to start but alot of what Im hearing in my situation is "get a side by side duplex, tri plex, or 4 plex, get a buy/fix/repair.."

PS If anyone wants to supply feedback here can trade knowledge about acting, personal/executive presence/confidence as that is my coaching business which I have been doing successfully for 10 years. Thanks