Emerging Markets/Leveraging Capital (New Investor)

Good Morning Bigger Pockets Family!

My name is Marquis, I’m 27 I currently work as a investment sales broker but I’m am more than excited to embark on my journey in becoming a real estate investor. My why is to create generational wealth for my family, retire in 15 years as well educate individuals on real estate and financial literacy. I am interested in small multi family deals, specifically in emerging/secondary markets. As of now I have been doing research on Cleveland, Ohio and Pittsburgh, PA. I have business plan and my approach towards these assets will be long term holds to generate both cash flow and maximize equity. So far I formulated a small team (painter, partner, and accountant) but unfortunately I am not the most handy person and will have to outsource most GC work. One of the main issues I am having is leveraging debt! With all the sales, real estate and business knowledge I may posses, leveraging debt has been difficult for me. I’ve wanted to go the route of a hard-money lender, but it has been difficult to find one. Maybe I am looking in the wrong places. I developed my own forecast sheet for potential deals, and I am willing to share any information that will help obtain debt for a project. If anyone could share some tips of finding a hard money lender it would be appreciated. Also, how can one leverage debt while fixing their credit? Pleas share any other emerging/secondary markets that may posses small multi family value add properties. Thank you!