About getting started, there is many choices in realestate, that's why people like you and I bounce all over the place. I started last year by going to seminars and learning something new everyday. If you do buy and hold form a L.L.C. for protection. That's what I did as I purchased 2 multifamily units. Buying and holding works, and owner finacing is a way to buy realestate with bad credit, you just have to a few thousand for closing cost, ect. I hoped that helped a little.
Todd & Dawn
Welcome to the DG site. You will get a lot of valuable information here.
I recommend you use it wisely by reading as much as you possibly can.
Good luck.
Karen