Two, you'll have a much easier time obtaining a mortgage product if you have a track record of W2 income.In the meantime, continue implementing the strategies you mentioned: save religiously, build your credit, pay any existing debt owed, etc.

As far as whether to approach them with or without an agent - approaching them directly without an agent can save the seller probably 2.5-3% of fees, which give you some room to negotiate on the price, but you need to be confident that you are capable of evaluating the property value, estimating on the amount of work that is needed, knowing how to negotiate/ structure the deal, and navigating the closing process.

I couldn't save enough money for a down payment on my first real estate investment. 

I have 880 credit score, decent savings, and no other debt except for 300K mortgage on my primary residence (worth $1.5 million).

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

Economic pressures forcing landlords to adjust rental prices to attract tenants.For renters, this means more flexibility and savings, especially in historically competitive areas.

Quote from @Jaycee Greene: I am currently saving so the lower the better just for my time being Quote from @Ella Marie: Hello I'm new here and I am more than excited to get started in the real estate business.

Best to hire it out, even though it hurts the margins, it saves my time and stress substantially.

I don't see anything the new administration can do to help the little guy.Make lots of $ and save it.

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