Here are some top strategies to start your investment portfolio with little money up front: Rent-to-own: In this arrangement, you agree to rent a property for a certain period of time, with the option to purchase it at a later date. This can be a good option if you don't have a down payment, but you have a good credit score and can afford the monthly payments. Lease option: This is similar to a rent-to-own arrangement, but the terms of the agreement are typically more flexibl