Not sure how much time you have but you may want to try finding deals for other investors to build up cash.

If you have no money to buy real estate it makes it hard.So build up your credit.

Remember that, often, achieving your RE goal means being patient while you build up what is necessary to achieve it.2) Keep focused on your goal. 

My plan is to use the profits to build up enough revenue to invest in more rental properties. 

He's found a new project and looking to build up two 2000sf SFH's on an old lot.So he's asking for private lending to meet the 20% down on the bank construction loan on his next project.

Reach out to people on here who have already done it....This site has helped me out more times than I can remember.Best advice I can give though for the stage you're at....Don't be afraid to ask questions here and reach out to people on BP, start creating a local network for yourself and continue to build up some resource.

If you could pay 25%-50% of what you are currently paying for rent and save the rest, wouldn't that help you build up a savings account to invest with?

Buy 2-3 rentals as buy and holds- continue to build up the portfolio in the Midwest region4.

Hell of a lot better, faster, and easier than trying to build up a retirement account to be able to retire on at what, maybe age 70 if I'm lucky? 

Build up your contact base.