If you have bad credit, you might consider giving up before you've even gotten started.
Ask intelligent questions regarding real estate in your community.
A real estate agent places the property in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which exposes the house to all the buyers working with cooperating member brokers.
Due to the fact that the city officials are so important to your ability to develop, renovate, and otherwise do what you want to a property, it is crucial that you get to know these people and create a rapport.