Since real estate is all about relationships, start attending local REI meetups if you haven't already.

If you're new real estate investing purchasing an historic property is a bad idea.

Well, that was my thought right after I posted this and realized that building relationships is something I need to work on.

@Thomas Smith, I would make the relationship simpler because it really isn't a partnership.

I have a downpayment saved, good credit, but do not own assets and my income is historically up and down due to commission checks from brokerageIm concerned that I’ll waste time looking for deals and making offers to ultimately not get financing - Should I be reaching out to lenders first to see an amount I would get approved for and then look at deals that fit?

I typically have a really good relationship with my tenants.

@Kevin Sobilo From networking and asking around I have found out that the Broker has a personal relationship with the buyer.

From there I want to keep purchasing rentals until it’s time for me and the gf to move toward in our relationship and purchase a home together at some point.

They have relationships with different vendors and get me estimates.  

I have spoke with a few who are interested in ReFi and want to build relationships.