Originally from Africa, I’ve embraced new opportunities to build a better future, and real estate is at the core of my financial freedom plan. 

You could tap the $400k of equity in your primary, but that's a slippery slope with the little financial discipline you appear to have and could quickly lead to bankruptcy.

If the prospects look financially shaky or sketchy, I ask for the name of a co-signer - and collect payment for a background check on them.Verbally, I also ask when they are interested in taking occupancy, and I tell them the application will be made part of the lease agreement - that I can evict them if they've lied in their application.

Once again, I had to ask my family for financial support—a daunting task after the first loss.

I’m also in the process of launching a new home inspection company, which I’m confident will help me get back on track financially.

Prioritize your financial stability.

@Alex Lee203k is an amazing tool as long as you don't overextend yourself financially. 

You did everything well financially, but in the past ten years how many real estate investors meetups have you gone to?

I'm eager to learn about how to find and fund properties that help my family financially and my community with affordable/reasonable dwellings for young families and newlyweds.

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.