Insight truly appreciated...

[Sam Chima]

There have probably been many posts similar to mine, so I will try to make it unique to my situation and goals. In short, I'm 25 with excellent credit, have my degree and hold a stable job with decent income. I've decided to pursue real estate, and understand the fundamental concepts of such an investment.

To my point. Since I am a first time home buyer, would it be wise to use the FHA loan? I do have a little cash saved up, but nothing substantial (10k). I want to get my first property by end of February. I've been thinking about a condo, like a luxury one (125-165k). Or, maybe a single family home.. max 180k. I want to rent it out, but am wondering, do I have to tell my agent that I am purchasing to rent it out? Are there specifics with that FHA loan? I am not really a diy person, but I can do a few things. Would it be wise to put nothing down, and use that cash for misc expenses, months with no tenants?

I guess more specifically, for those of you who are veterans, how would you go about getting wet with real estate given my situation. Live with parents, decent income (3-4k monthly). No car payment, no credit cards. I do have a student loan, but that's it. Last, I kind of want to know where to start.. financing first?

TY. I look forward to using this site as a reference, and hopefully finding a mentor.