I'm trying to determine what the appropriate steps are for fixing the problem.  

Like you, I am currently expanding my knowledge of REI in hopes to taking the next step in early 2017.

Looks like my next steps are to get involved with REIN and to keep reading up.

I am open minded and open to any suggestions or tips anyone may have for someone taking their first steps.

As long as I'm paying to get more equity and the numbers make sense, I think it's a good step forward for me.

@Dakoda Spencer, the first step is to go and look for apartment buildings for sale.

It will be slow going at first, it always is, but in the beginning you are laying the foundation for you future RE empire, so it is critical IMO that you do not try to side step or shortcut the process.

This group helped to learn the steps of risk mitigation, wealth  and real estate opportunity assessment hence gave me the tools to put "fear" under control.Like the say ....

I am interested in doing some wholesale deals at the moment and then take the next step to flip homes and eventually build up my portfolio with rentals etc for the long run.

Financing is going to be my biggest challenge/most rewarding hurdle at the moment.