We had no choice, but you do.

But i don’t really know where to start, my financial status is not good, and in my earlier years didn’t make many great choices when it came to my credit.Is there any words of advice anyone would like to pass down to get me started on my real estate journey??? 

I wouldn't do much now until we see where we are at with eviction moratoriums but once they are over you can make a choice. 

Second choice would be by telephone (voice, not text!)

Back in the day, oil based enamels were the best choice for hard films (doors, cabinets, etc), but now with hybrids you can get oil performance and clean up your tools with water.   

If you are ok with waiting until you are 59 1/2 years or older to have full access to the 401k contributions and gains (penalty free) than your path might look different than someone who wants to have a monthly passive cashflow that meets or exceeds their monthly expenses by age 40.Trying to amass a large nest egg in financial products such as a 401k, IRA, etc will require you to save & invest 50% of your income to gain 1 year of paid expenses in retirement, which assumes similar health status and lifestyle choices once you get there.If you are interested in economic independence earlier rather than later, invest only the 5% to get the full employer 401k match and then focus on positive cashflow investments to start replacing your active income (your job).

@Bryan Malone the conventional wisdom is that a Heloc is not a good choice for longterm financing since it is a variable rate.

It wouldn't be my first choice when being abroad but it could be done. 

Best to always "persuade" tennats to leave by choice. 

I don't think one way is better than the other and is all based upon personal choices and preferences.