The majority's opinion is that leverage is what allows you to grow your portfolio and equity, so get as much debt as possible, but of course watch the terms and cash flow.Once you choose your religion, assuming you choose leverage, you're looking for the funding.

If you don't have a solid W-2 job right now, maybe this is the time to get one - I'm not sure if being an agent would get you the funds you need to make some real estate deals.I would not just dump everything right into real estate - it's just too risky of a plan because if something goes wrong, you're not going to have the funds to get back into a good position.

I personally look for returns in the 20% or higher range, when utilizing my own funds.

I then received calls saying that TD would't process the transfer due to funds not available, which I thought was strange. 

Research and define your geographic marketplace, your marketing plan and budget for generating leads, your sources of capital for both operating expenses and funding deals. 

You could look into a HELOC for your home and then using those funds to purchase your properties and rehab costs. 

Hey all, I'm considering lending cash to a flipper friend of mine so he can make a cash purchase on a $200,000 deal which is requiring certified funds. 

I wanted out to use the funds elsewhere.

Fraud is rampant and you won't  attract desirable guests.

Real estate investing is a unique business in that there are different ways to achieve your financial goals and you have to find the real estate strategy that fits your personality not just your financial goals and desires.