Beginner Investor with 8k In hand any advice?

[Gabriella Nataldie]

Hey everyone, I could really use some advice. So, here's my situation: I'm 23 and eager to dive into the world of investing. College drained my finances faster than I anticipated, but I've found a new path that feels right for me. I've shifted my focus from textbooks to spending quality time with my dad, who hasn't been feeling well lately, and I'm aiming to build up some savings through investments.

Now, I don't have a car, but I have a friend who works nights and has kindly offered to give me rides anywhere between 3am and 4pm. The challenge? Jobs during those hours are hard to come by. Luckily, I've found one that's willing to work around my schedule—$10 an hour for 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. It's not exactly a windfall, but it's a start.

My dad's medical bills are piling up faster than I'd like, and I'm feeling the financial strain. I know I need to up my game and start investing if I want to make a dent in those bills. I've managed to save up $10k, but with those pesky doctor bills eating away at it, it's looking more like $8k. Plus, my work history is pretty slim—I only worked for a couple of months during college.

I'm eager to do more, to explore new avenues of passive income, and to soak up knowledge like a sponge. I've been eyeing investment properties, hoping to learn a thing or two from the experts. House hacking sounds intriguing, but for now, I'm staying rent-free and saving every penny for that perfect property that'll set me on my way. I am not sure where I should start.

So, if any of you wise individuals out there have any advice or tips to make this journey a bit smoother, I'd be incredibly grateful. Your help would mean a lot to me. Thanks a bunch!