While you're working on those two important things continue to educate yourself through the podcasts/books and practicing analyzing but also keep your eye out for a great deal.

If there is a way for you to netowrk with other successful developers thats your best step.

If you have already done that or know you have a good title then I guess the next step is to get the property sold as is or fix and flip or fix it, rent it out and hold it long term. 

First step is really to save up your savings.

Introductory level is good but should still include practical and real world suggestions.Thanks   

If you have proper systems and practices in place and do a reasonable job at tenant screening, the risks can easily be mitigated and there are actually several benefits.

I am taking the first steps on this journey in Real Estate investing.

My next step is to initiate a quiet title action to clear any issues up and put it on the market. 

I would find a mentor (I am not a mentor, I only Joint Venture on Subject Tos but I don't think you need that here) or someone locally who does Subject To transactions who can walk you through step by step.

What I have found is the national guys often don't have a good grip on local practices.