Des Moines area- how to start?

[Lisa Blubaugh]

Hi! I've been reading and lurking off and on for about a year. I need help figuring out where to start. I want to try to BRRRR strategy. My husband and I both have credit scores around 650 and we're trying to pay off about $3500 in credit card debt. We started new higher paying jobs recently and we currently rent a house. I guess my question is, should we work on improving our credit scores (how high?) and saving up to get an FHA loan? For locals, is there an area in or around Des Moines that you recommend? I just need a starting point and a general direction. Thanks in advance!