Figure out what kind of house you’re looking for. This is an important (and obvious) step because you don’t want to commit yourself and your money to something that won't fit your needs.
Start searching for rent-to-own properties in your area. There are many websites dedicated specifically to finding rent-to-own homes and doing research on the property you’re interested in will not only help save time but also give you more information about the home itself. You should also consider talking with real estate agents in your area about rent-to-own options.
Negotiate the terms of the lease agreement or contract with the landlord/seller. This is one of the most important steps when it comes to renting a house and one that can't be taken lightly; you should make sure that both parties understand all aspects of the deal before committing themselves financially or legally. Make sure all points of negotiation are well documented, including things like down payments, interest rates, monthly payments, and repairs/maintenance responsibilities. You may manage to pin down your new home with a $0 down payment if you play your cards right.