If you have a lot of equity in your home I would first evaluate if it's possible to leverage any of that equity to acquire another asset that would produce more cash using a home equity loan or line of credit3.

Continue to repeat #1 recommendation every 12 months until you are tired of moving.The ugly truth is that you need some money to start investing in real estate and I strongly recommend you do it with your own money before you start lending money from family and friends.All the best and keep up posted on your progress.

Congrats on growing your portfolio so quickly—that’s amazing progress in just a couple of years!

Let me know of your progress if you would, and we'll both keep an eye out for further responses to this thread.

Still in progress Lessons learned?

Every property of interest must be evaluated based on current and future performance.Current ConsiderationsTime to rentRenovation Cost & RiskInitial ROI and cash flowPurchase PriceMaintenance costAcceptable area rental restrictionsIn an area that is doing well and likely to do better in the future.In the migration path of urban sprawl.Future ConsiderationsThe location has a track record of appreciation and rent increases.It physically matches the expected demographic changes for the foreseeable future.Buy what your “customer” wants to rent, not what you think is a good property.

Keep evaluating deals even if not ready to purchase the next one and keep your skills sharp.

Looking forward to seeing your progress in Birmingham and beyond.

@Nick Burrell recommend you start looking for "deals" that you can sell to other investors.This will force you to learn how to find them AND evaluate them.You'll generate commissions you can accumulate to start flipping.

The house is still vacant and have not made any progress at this time.