And as you point out that could be true with you have a track record  a Deep Rolodex ( you know that thing you put your contacts in)... but as a new investor I think shopping for the deals and spending all that time effort etc without some kind of financial commitments or baking is doing it backwards and can lead to frustration and disappointment.

a deep passion for what you desire is a fabulous place to start as this will create the drive you need at any age to take your aspiration to the far reaches. newbie here too. just wished to introduce myself. formerly from washington, dc, i'm just getting started in the staging arena in california and i'm looking to make some connections as well. thanks and sincerely, sydney

How deep is the sewer line?

Once you have that set hang up...BREATHE and then prepare. 

and the list goes on.Drill down as deep as you can.

Banks are tougher to deal with than a motivated breathing seller.I would either wholesale it to an investor with some money, payable upon and outside of closing, or sell something to raise the money.Why no money @Dustin Robinson?  

I would do some deep-diving into what your strengths and weaknesses are.

I personally like to budget 3-6 months worth of cash just in case this does happen where I market too high or am doing a renovation to the place and need some time to breath as renovations take place. 

And, the cyberspace is teaming up with all kinda information FREELY and READILY available, so why pay a fat cat to "teach" me yet down deep I know that if HE/SHE was successful he/she woulda never been teaching, he/she woulda been out in the field shoveling money left and right.

Looking to find a mentor the would help lead the way to success.We're not only wanting to do this for extra cash flow, but have a deep desire to help people rebuild their lives.