Learn from the real gurus of real estate investing, (think Jack Miller, Pete Fortunado, these guys have forgotten more about investing than I've ever learned)  Get yourself associated with established investors in your area (not wholesalers, investors) learn from them, find what they are looking for and with their permission start bird dogging for them.  

As nice as it may look, most buyers won't pay you the difference for a custom light fixture, vs something that you bought at Home Depot.Whatever you do, establish good relationships with local vendors that can maintain good inventory.

This is a start to establish better credit management.2 - Start by Wholesaling with the focus on using the cash from each deal to...3 - Improve your credit by paying down your bills.  

@Munira Hassan,Other metropolitan areas with mass transit might be good to explore.Chicago Metro, for instance, has commuter rail service (Metra) in the outlying areas while the city has the long-established Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) light rail system.

And while you are located here in DC, are you looking to establish your portfolio elsewhere.Coffee sometime... the topic is a favorite of mine?

I'm working on establishing an agent now, so I have some questions in the meantime.I'm curious.

Fatal flaws include not establishing the right of sale, higher interest rates than state law allows, incorrect legal description etc.

Equal Rights Hits Home: In 1939, the war started and a food bank was established.

I had heard that its common to direct the best deals to the best customers, which leaves leaves a significant hurdle in obtaining strong efforts for buyers who aren't established, large volume customers.

We've established a reputation as the go-to source for the real estate investment community, and have built a reputation that is second to none because of our refusal to allow snake oil salesmen and marketers overrun our community.Please tell your BiggerPockets Story!