Hi Allen, when I got started, I used a 3% down conventional loan to buy my first property.

I've seen investors lose tens of thousands every year before they finally get serious about learning how to manage.

Have you ever heard of a Landlord being sued by a Tenant and losing property?

If you've got to ask this question, no, you should not start lending.

agree .. other wise its just the bottom feeders looking to take his equity from him  with couching it as a rescue.. his best bet it to sell if its owner occ the profit is tax free .. regroup and start over.. 

So guess which route I started with? 

When one machine goes down you start losing money in a small way. 

Wow, just getting started with INVESTMENT real estate.  

@Marcus Retter welcome to BP.It's a great community.I've been investing in Albuquerque for 10 years, and you can find some good deals there.Personally, I live in Santa Fe.There are several active Meetups that you can join to get around to other investors.Networking is really important.Get out there and make connections with other investors; that is how I got started. 

if you buy a random property on Zillow and turn it over to people you have never met, you will very likely lose money, get frustrated, and set yourself back.if you're serious i'd pick a market and plan on making several trips there.