Bad credit, no savings, a low-paying W-2 job, etc.

I have about 25K saved up and make about 60K a year.

I plan to do it myself which would save some labor cost.

@Marcus Auerbach and @Joe VilleneuveWe have clients who have substantially grown their retirement savings both in notes and in real estate. 

Is there no longer a Pro Perk to save $5 with SmartMove tenant screening?

I purchase all the material myself using my card and save a minimum of 5% and the contractors like not having to do anything but go there and pick it up.  

Now the hard part, figuring out if i want to use that to snipe a great deal on our first property, attempt multiple properties at once, or save more and attempt to stay local in SoCal.

Things I will mention to the seller: -Having no realtor(s) involved will save him 6%.

It is not a waste of money, it WILL SAVE YOU THOUSANDS by helping you to avoid a bad deal!

I don't have a lot of money saved up and I currently have poor credit 580-600, but I'm interested and dedicating myself to taking the first steps of financial independence by learning the ins and outs of the real estate industry.