How to do to first deal without using any personal cash?

[Justin Showghi]

I’m finally ready to take the plunge into real estate investing, but with two kids, I’m nervous to use any of my own cash for the first project. Any tips on how to navigate this?

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Justin Showghi:

I’m finally ready to take the plunge into real estate investing, but with two kids, I’m nervous to use any of my own cash for the first project. Any tips on how to navigate this?

If you are uncomfortable investing your own cash, how will you convince others to invest their money?

Start with your own money. When you have a proven track record of success, then you can use that experience to encourage others to invest with you.

[Richard Betz]

So you're ready to start, but have no money to invest?  Maybe you're aren't that ready.  You will have to find a property, then find a lender.   Do you have good credit?   Perhaps a visit to your local bank or credit union to see what you can qualify for is a good start.   You'll likely need some sort of collateral.  Do you have equity in other property?  Hard money loans are out there, but they expect you to have skin in the game too, and some experience.  

[Denis Ponder]

Quote from @Justin Showghi:

I’m finally ready to take the plunge into real estate investing, but with two kids, I’m nervous to use any of my own cash for the first project. Any tips on how to navigate this?

Do you currently own or rent? If you rent, start with buying a small MF and rent out the other units. You can move on from there and purchase a SFH if you don't like sharing a MF. This will require the least amount of capital for your to get in the game and get the best of both worlds.

[Jonathan Greene]

I hope you realize now, after reading some of the other responses (except the last one) how ridiculous the question is. You want to make your first investment without using a single cent of your own money? How and why would that work in your favor? If you did find someone who would do it, you would get crippled by the fees.

The majority of people who do low to no money down deals are people who already have money. That's how they can leverage those deals.