Need help on what my next step should be

[Larita Jolly]

Hello all, 

I'm really excited and ready to get my first investment property. I'm currently stuck on what my first move should be to obtain. I have a list of properties that have really good potential (monthly cash flow) but I need to have a contractor give me an estimate to solidify those numbers. Also, I'm not sure as to which way to obtain financing. I have good/fair credit and I should be able to obtain a  conventional home loan, but I don't want to pay 20% down. Is Hard money lender the best way to go? And should I choose the property first prior to the contractor estimate and then obtain the loan? Please help! My goal is to have at least 5 rental properties by the end of this year and I need to have rental in place by the end of Aug in order to complete my goal. Thank you