How did you fund your first deal?

[Jeff Rossman]

I was hoping to get some stories/ideas about how people are funding their FIRST deals. This seems to be where I am getting tripped up (at least in my own head). I don't make a lot of money in my 9 to 5, and I don't have a big pile of cash sitting somewhere to pull from (that would be why I'm getting into Real Estate investing). I've read some blogs & forum posts, listened to several podcasts, and got some great ideas, but I really want to know my options as thoroughly as possible.

I'm interested primarily in buy-and-hold.

[Sam B.]

I worked my *** off & saved money.  With all the talk about financing and getting into the game with as little down as possible, I think hard work and frugal personal living is often overlooked.  I worked long and hard for my "pile of cash".