My ultimate goal is to build up a decent portfolio of SFHs.

You just need to build up your contacts for repairs and a local REIA can help with that.  

That 20k in your hand is better than waiting for it to build up from a higher cash flow

Between working to build up a good sized cash reserves,budgeting, and trying to get a line of credit I feel as if there is more I can be doing to better prepare myself.

I'm having some trouble finding them on the Events section of biggerpockets so I figured I'd ask here :)Let's see if we can build up a list here!

However, once I buy my first property I will be back at square one with little to no savings so it will take time to build up to buy another property.

This will also build up your network foundation for investing in real estate as you meet people on the jobs who have connections in the industry.

I got to a point where I had enough cash flow to cover ~50% of living expenses and was able to build up some liquidity for 12mo of full living expenses. 

@Rahul Srivastava Personally I would recommend a house hack as the fastest way to build up your passive income dream.

A little bit about me:- Just finished reading "Retire Early with Real Estate"- Currently reading "The House Hacking Strategy" by Craig Curelop- Passionate about and pursuing financial independence through index-fund investing but on a journey to accelerate it through real estate investing- Born and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland but currently living in Fairfax/Northern VirginiaCurrent housing situation:- Rent-hacking an apartment unit my gf and friend- Looking to purchase my first property in the DMV area before/around next April, rent extra rooms to help offset or pay the mortgage, build up capital for the next house-hack, and repeat the process for the next couple of yearsHoping to connect with and learn more from you all/BiggerPockets in general as I get started on my journey!