I hit that goal - which was incredbily tricky given my lack of funds and the overall lack of lenders lending on sfh investment properties back then - six years straight exactly. 

Make sure you have funds set aside for an emergency, if you have personal debt, try to eliminate as much as possible, understand what your personal balance sheet looks like in regards to monthly cash flow and net worth.Investing in real estate is investing in a business, and you need to have a good understanding of your financial picture before you begin to buy a business.I would then focus on what niche you want to start with.  

Personal funds and a loan with GreenState Credit Union which is based off our holdings portfolio.

Hi all, I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask questions about setting up a Trust. I'm looking to form a revocable trust to have all my assets in it, I understand that it does not protect me as an irrevocable ...

I think it's okay to not have a deluxe backyard, see what the market is demanding.We didn't want to or have the funds to do a full renovation, Here are some things we did when we got our primary ready to rent:-Tore out fiberglass tub and surround in master bedroom-Had new tub and tile surround put in (felt nicer for primary bedroom suite)-New toilets and all new faucets-Hired guy to resurface all kitchen and bathroom countertops-Took down popcorn ceiling and had resurfaced/ painted-Neutral paint and trim throughout (had different colors all over prior)-changed out washer hook-up valves to prevent issues Things I wish we would've taken care of:-regular yard maintenance hired out and baked into rent-LVP flooring throughout (kept mix of tile and carpet)Just did final walkthrough and got keys this morning for tenant moving out.

At that point, I'd rather use hard money to fund the downpayment and go the conventional route - at this point at least.

I would like to have an active earning real estate job so that I can fund buying rental properties.

This was the absolute earliest I could be funded. 

Equity gained from principal paydown is also free, if the source of the funds comes from the rent (tenant). 

Don't stop unless they pay everything they owe with certified funds.