First time investing questions

[Chase Davis]

Hey BP Folks!

I am located in Morrisville, NC and I am looking at Duplex's in Durham, NC. This would be my first time buying a home. I recently purchased the Rookie Bootcamp and house hacking bootcamp, and would like to buy a property soon. I just want to make sure I am comfortable with numbers and making sure I get a good deal before I buy. I am currently employed at Mattress Firm, we make 10.88$ a hour plus commissions (whichever is greater) I made 71,000 last year total but around 68k in commissions. This year I am not sure it has been very slow and I have been wanting to look at other jobs but I spoke to a loan officer briefly around 6 months ago and he said I need 2 years of employment. I will be here for 2 years at the end of this year and I will probably make around 50k-60k this year in total. I also have 3500$ in student loans and 30,000 saved up. I am currently doing the house hacking bootcamp until the rookie bootcamp starts. I am not sure what I need to be aware of with the Home ready and home possible loans and FHA for a Duplex. It will be a primary residence. I would like to do Long-term rentals. I would assume it would be better to use a home-ready or home-possible first? But what would be the stipulations if I want to buy another house after which I would like to do I just want to get my feet wet first, and I would refinance the home. Any and all tips would be super helpful no matter what the subject is! And then I might have any other bumps in the road, whether it has to do with my income or anything! Also if anyone is looking to connect around me that would be awesome!

Thanks guys!

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Chase Davis:

Lenders want to see two years of employment, so changing jobs will only hurt you. 

First thing I would do is pay off the loans, even if they are low interest.

You can then look into house hacking. This allows you to purchase with a very low downpayment as long as it is your primary residence. You can buy up to four units. Buy something, live in part of it and rent the rest out, then do it again in a year or two.