[rdgllc]

Is it really possible to buy real estate with no money down and a bad credit rating?

In theory you could structure a seller-second into the deal to cover some or all of the down payment (if 1st lienholder will allow it). But you are still going to have closing costs and the terms for the 1st lienholder will not be cheap. Based on that credit, you'll likely need to get short term hard money bridge to acquire the property and figure the take-out financing afterward when credit improves. Main issue here: No skin in the game and credit risk.