Quote from @Anastasia Foster: Hi I am currently looking into their fix and flip fund- their 24% pref is hard to pass up but also doing my due diligence since I have not worked with them before@Anastasia FosterPerhaps a data point for your due diligence. 

Also I’m not sure on the tax implications of settlements but work with a CPA on a strategy.  

Two, you'll have a much easier time obtaining a mortgage product if you have a track record of W2 income.In the meantime, continue implementing the strategies you mentioned: save religiously, build your credit, pay any existing debt owed, etc.

My strategy would be to target properties which are most likely of the owner NOT redeeming.

While your condo snowball strategy builds equity, modest cash flow and HOA fees may limit returns.

With $50k, you likely have enough to get started, especially if you target lower-cost markets or use a strategy like house hacking.

A great way to start is by learning how to analyze deals and exploring strategies like buy-and-hold or house hacking.

Upon my research of the FHA loan and the house hacking strategy, I know one of the perquisites for getting approved and not committing fraud is to live in the residence for at least a year.

The seller would use this strategy when they don't have a lot of equity in the house.

There's no step by step guide but there are key things : Learn: RE strategies, what interests you, what do people in your area need.Connect: find a mentor, accountability group and be around those doing what you want to do.Help: solve problems- do people need dealflow, property mgmt, construction expertise, etc.