Order of Operations to First Time Note Investing

[Mels S.]

I keep reading about purchasing a notes.  So far I cannot find a clear Order of Operations (most of the stuff I have found has why notes are good, but not hard numbers to run) 

Then I keeping getting confused: should I  1. save money(how much is a good amount of cash) 2. research note  3. buy note.... or would it be 1. find tax/ legal professional knowledgeable in notes investing  (any suggestions on a good trust worthy person) 2. save money  3. put money into correct holding area, to easy purchase of note 4. research note 5. purchase note 6. work with servicer to get note performing?   

From the research I think I want to be a second mortgage non-performing note purchaser, and that is where I am stalling out. I want to make sure when I purchase our first note it doesn't turn into a landmine. Any ideas, of what to do next... (and my husband and I are not accredited investors). 

Thanks,

Mels