Just about everyone can improve their financial position if the make it a priority, but they have to find their own path. Real estate is not for everyone, and yes, you generally need some cash for that. I started middle-class with educators for parents. Not rich by any means, but certainly better off than some. The cash I have been able to use to buy houses comes from my job and from investing. There are many people who started with nothing that are much more successful than I am. You have to find your own way. The advice is just to share my story and to get you thinking about what you can do for yourself. Best of luck!