Kendra,
Since a huge number of people I know had zero, zip, nada, NO EXPERIENCE, before getting his first job in property management, I'd say you are in good company. How did they do that? Cold calling on apartment communities was one way; talking to the Manager where they reside was another, and networking was the other way. I hire often, people with little to no experience, because it works in the student housing market. Don't give up! You might also apply for a business position instead of leasing and work into that kind of position later. Why did I hire someone who cold called at the property? Their professionalism (Dressed well, spoke well, had knowledge of the market) and their attitude. Great, can-do, open-minded attitude, wanting to learn, speaks volumes as to being an entusiastic learner.