After that, talk to your bank and see if they'll consider increasing your credit limits.

With that said, I will have to disagree with what you have assumed (though you were limited to only the few scraps of info I have posted). 

For things like direct ownership of a rental property, this is generally the better way to go.If you are self-employed and have no full time employees, a Solo 401k program is available that also provides the same kind of checkbook control, but comes with the higher contribution limits of a 401k plan.In all cases, the investments are wholly for the benefit of the IRA.  

I'm like you (limited real estate experience, but looking for my first acquisition!

I think in a upward trending market, it is harder to get a deal because of limited supply and intense competition.

FHA has no income limits.

The IRA is treated in the same fashion as any other for tax purposes, but rather than being limited to what Wall St sells, you can invest in non-traditional assets such as real estate.As someone who is busy, turn-key real estate or brokered mortgage notes would be good avenues to research.  

Your recognition that your own business, real estate investing, requires dedication, training, and hard work leads you to a new world of opportunity with no limits.

You may have been brought up in a situation that limited your understanding of your potential, but it's time now for the past to lose its hold on you. 

Like most people my funds are limited starting out.