Just Starting Out: How did to get started with no money?

[Rachael Alwardt]

Hello all, 

My name is Rachael, I am 24 and a Jr Interior Designer in the Hudson Valley. I'm really new on all of things REI, and I have been binging the BiggerPockets Podcast like its my job (literally I listen to this while I'm at work throughout the whole 8 hour day), I've also watched youtube videos on it, but I honestly think I've learned the most from Brandon and David on their podcast.. I graduated from college 2 years ago this May, and have always been interested in Real Estate, more recently investing. Growing up I did not have much education on how to keep a steady income as my mother raised us as a single parent and was working paycheck to paycheck with 7 kids. She never really taught me budgeting or how to invest because she didn't know how to as well.

More so recently, I've been teaching myself and luckily have had a friend to help me in budgeting but my question is: How should I get started with like no money in the bank, and a "good" credit score? When I first started looking into this my credit score was low and had hard inquires which I have since then worked on and have a "good" credit score, or at least that's what TransUnion has on me.

I am studying for my Real Estate License and plan to take the test in 6-7 months, and my biggest goal at the moment is to have my first REI property in the next year and a half.


Thanks in advance!

Rachael A. 

[Chad Rocke]

Hey @Rachael Alwardt!

Welcome to BiggerPockets! You have hit the JACKPOT of resources for real estate investors. You can literally find answers to all of your questions within the confines of this site. What’s the best way to get started using BiggerPockets?

1.Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Money and Rookie Podcasts

2.Attend the FREE WEBINARS

3.Attend a Meetup in Your Area / virtual meet ups

4.Purchase the Beginner Books: How to Invest in Real Estate, Set for Life, The House Hacking Strategy

5.Peruse the forums! Ask questions! Answer Questions! If you are consistent with learning real estate over the next 4-6 months, you’ll be ready to purchase your first (or next) property in NO TIME!

Good luck,