That can give you real momentum early.I’ve been where you are, and the biggest thing is to use this time to build skills, build your network, and stack cash. 

Plan closing funds by stacking: ask for seller credits toward closing, use allowable gift funds, and price out down‑payment assistance or a small 0% promo card for minor repairs after closing.

For steady note flow, stack a few lanes: trade desks at small banks/credit unions and regional servicers, direct from creators via local REI meetups and Facebook groups, seasoned wholesalers who pivoted into notes, and vetted marketplaces that let you filter by performance, collateral, and pricing.

Plus rather than doing yourself, you can hire a manager than has years more experience than you can ever hope to achieve.The downside is that you will have to pay a management fee as well as get comfortable with vetting sponsors and deals (which not everyone wants to do).

While you stack savings, trade sweat for equity (find the deal, manage a light rehab, or handle books) and learn to raise private money with a one‑page story, clean numbers, clear protections, and steady updates.

Quote from @Isaiah Prince: I’m currently attacking debt and stacking a 6-month emergency fund before going after my first house hack — hoping to be ready within a year. 

You’ll end up owning something far away you can’t fix and can’t sell.If you treat that 10–15K like seed money — to get experience and leverage relationships — it’s more powerful than waiting years to stack 100K; Stanley I really hope this helps you and your clients a bit, I sent you a DM on BP, it's one of the reasons I do this, I hope you can assist.

You’re absolutely right — most of those “no money down” or OPM programs sound exciting, but only a small fraction of people ever make them work.I love your approach of focusing on building credit, stacking cash, and learning from people already doing it.

. - You might be able to find deals and get a finder's fee to turn them over to your network.

I am currently having my tenants send me the utility money via CashApp but CashApp charges a fee for transferring money (Since it's a CashCapp Business account).