I am currently looking to buy my first rental property, but am struggling to figure out how to start investing with just $5k saved up for a down payment.

Other peers were not only struggling, they were folding.

I personally struggle with this because by nature I hate debt but the reality is that the use of leverage will multiply returns(positive or negative).

I also would be concerned with the stability of Manitowoc, it has struggled for years, unless you see a change on the horizon, i would be cautious. 

@Isiah Ferguson Isiah, I'm struggling with this same issue.  

If anyone is struggling with occupancy or a trouble tenant.

Many people ruin their credit when they are young and get that first credit card and other credit lines, and don't think of the future when they struggle paying for their champaign tastes and beer pocket book debt.

Hence the interest in turnkey operators that can help me get going in other markets.Here's the part I'm struggling with: I have a 401k from a previous job that has a hair over $50k in it.

So I have been struggling with getting the down for my third.

I think that is something a lot of first time flippers including myself struggle with.