Big bank lenders won't consider my small lending request of $50k so I'm now researching local lenders or potentially an online lender like "elend"...before I officially take the plunge, it's back to the drawing board to determine the best lender.

Hi All,I live in Charleston for the last 25 years and have been studying Real Estate for about a year now and just started taking the plunge to become really active about six months ago.

@Samuel Muniz glad you're taking the plunge.  

I'm not comfortable with plunging that money into the stock market so I'm looking for a RE alternative.  

Start building your credit.network, network, networkand learn learn learn before taking the plunge find a mentorWhen you and the bank think your ready.

Nationwide unemployment is very low, many places are at an all-time low:Utah: http://www.sltrib.com/ci_4661371 ("Joblessness in Utah is at a record-low 2.5 percent, statistically equating to full employment for the state. ")Illinois: http://www.reviewatlas.com/articles/2006/11/17/news/local/news1.txt ("Illinois' unemployment rate dropping to match its lowest level on record...")Hawaii: http://starbulletin.com/2006/11/23/business/story01.html ("Hawaii's employers will continue to struggle to find employees, given that the state's seasonally adjusted jobless rate plunged to an all-time low of 2.1 percent in October.")To list a few.

Taking the plunge here is very nerve wracking, but exciting at the same time.

Currently there are many more properties that fit my needs than I could buy.Up to now none of these would be investors have taken the plunge.

We are ready to take the plunge and make our first purchase!

My next property will be more well thought out before I take the plunge.