Starting out!

[Amanda Hoening]

Hi everyone,  I want to give everyone an idea of who I am, and what I have going on, and I would love to get some advice on what you would do if you were in my shoes. 

My Credit Score is 689 and rising, went through a divorce that caused some issues, but I don't have any more issues paying everything on time.

My Current annual income from my Job is right at 50,000.00

I am a single mom with a two year old and a five year old

My living expenses are covered by the child support that I receive, and I live with my parents currently, so I don't have rent, utilities, or ungodly daycare.  

I Plan to stay living with mom and dad for another 3-4 years.  My children are young, and I work second shift, It's easier on them to go to bed at a normal time, and not be drug out of their beds in the middle of the night when I get off work. 

I have about 70k in student loan debt, (private university for a public service degree)  This is the main reason for living with my parents, my goal is to pay this down.    

I have approximately $1000.00 a month that I can put into some form of real estate investing.   I would like to do buy and hold property.    I also have about $6,000 liquid right now.   I know it's not a lot, but we all have to start somewhere.  The items I do have going for me, are the Credit score, that is rising, the stable job history, I have worked for the State of Iowa as a Correctional Officer for the past seven years, and the fact that a lot of my living expenses are low since I live with my parents.    

I listen to the podcasts all the time.  I am excited to get going, I know I will learn the most from my first deal, I just want to make sure my first deal is as wise as it can be, and I make fewer mistakes then if I hadn't done some research.    Thanks to all those who take time and respond :)