I currently do not have enough funds to fund a down payment and am trying to find the most efficient way to save.

I am currently in the planning phase of my real estate investment journey and had a few questions I’d like to ask someone more experienced.Would it be smarter to focus on paying down my own mortgage and then use a HELOC as a down payment for my first investment property, or should I simply use my savings for the down payment instead?

Save your hard earned cash for down payments and repairs.    

I am looking at different loan options but to break even (not having to put any money of my own in the house after the initial down payment) the current down payment required is that much. 

DSCR loans are based off of down payment, credit score and either actual or market rents so it helps to supercharge an investor's real estate goals and net worth.

Look how many died in the Great Recession which was nothing as severe.On the other hand, the debt-free ones will be in a much stronger and better position to survive (because they have no debt payments to make).  

You can also do value add STR & Multi-Family Rentals by starting with distressed properties and using a bridge loan to acquire them with a lower down payment compared to a DSCR loan.Networking – Connect with local investors, wholesalers, and realtors in your target markets.

Once you close on your property:- You need to get a Phila tax IDhttps://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/tax...- Then you need to register for a commercial activity licensehttps://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/g...- Once you have a commerical activity license you can finally get your rental licensehttps://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/g...All of the above will be done using the eClipse online portal systemIf your property is built before 1978:The system will kick back your application and you will not be able to get a rental license until you get a Lead Safe test.This is when you will hire a licensed 3rd party to come out and doing a lead test for you.

Single-pane windows should have storm windows which help a little.5th check if the electric company can put the house on budget payments.

If you're a single mom with student loans, a car payment, and living paycheck-to-paycheck, then $20,000 would be devastating and a reserve is critical.