I'm new to real estate, and have only just begun reading into real estate and the market, and as such I'm very eager to learn more.

I have not even begun to build my investing track record unfortunately and am still learning what it would take to get approved by a hard money lender.

By the time you add a HELOC to one of them, and then refinance the acquisition afterwards to pay back the HELOC your costs involved will be not much less and your headache factor (which has already begun) will be triple.

Thanks so much @Darren Sager I have already begun the book and it really covers so much.

hi BPers-I've just begun this process.

I've begun by reading several books about investing in real estate and just itching to get started, BUT.....feel like i need a mentor, for some one on one info and guidance.

I have begun studying real estate so as to know more about the facilities that I would rent or buy, and to know the best options available to me.Any advice is much appreciated and if anyone is from Southampton, UK please don't hesitate to get in contact with me.Nicholas Finch

I live in Washington D.C. as well and have just begun the process of getting into personal RE investing!

I joined the full-time workforce in January and I have begun to contribute to my company's Roth 401k, in large part because I am enticed by the concept of tax-free earnings and a corporate match (a standard 60% of the first 6% of salary contributed). 

Also be comfortable with the numbers and doing analysis.I am not going to lie its been scary, difficult and I have only just begun.