@Dee Bullock ya they say wholesaling is where to start, but so is just working a full time job saving up from that and still do real estate after you get off.

Well, I need $25k to get the job done, which means I'm $3,000 short.

We would basically be there in the winter and here in Maine in the summer/fall (June-Octoberish).It has a decent airport with lots of flights to Atlanta (my wife travels a lot for her job and uses Delta). 

LOLI also made a good living following those “schlock houses” and cleaning up after them.Right now I’m buying full gut jobs.

@Brian Adams its on the market and good point in me checking with a property manager. my agent told me the property already has a PM and they've been doing a good job managing it.

My end goal is to have passive income and financial independence when I finish my career (I love my job, don't want to leave early).But as I was saying; I already have a BS and now have a chance to get my masters.

Great job working your debt down @Jesse Frickle and congratulations on the start of your RE journey!

This means experience, cash, assets, a job etc...

I have many side jobs and have plenty for a down payment.

Ask friends, local groups, builders, online forums, meetups, investor groups, visit flip job sites, etc.