Will talking to a lender hurt me if I’m not ready?

[Rachel Guzman]

Hello BP community!

I am a newbie & have recently started self educating myself about the world of REI. What should I be doing first: Talking to lenders to see what I can afford? Or learning how to analyze deals?

If I talk with a lender and find that I can’t yet afford the type of home or duplex I want, will it hurt my credit when I don’t take action? If I learn to analyze properties and find great deals, but I don’t know what I can afford, then I am probably wasting my time right? I want to start taking action while also avoiding any setbacks from not knowing what I don’t know. There is SO MUCH information, it’s overwhelming. Where do I start?

I currently rent in Las Vegas, will be applying alone and hope to buy a single family home or duplex. I am open to finding a partner but haven’t gotten that far yet. 

Thanks!!