Unsure how to think about debt relating to real estate

[Jack OMalley]

I'm 20 years old, never had any debt or credit before. I don't currently have any property and probably won't for at least a year or 2. My parents are huge Dave Ramsey advocates, and I think they're unsure about my interest in real estate investing because of the usual "need" for different forms of financing. They're not against mortgages, just borrowing of any other kind. As I research I'm starting to realize the benefit financing can have for this type of investing to scale your portfolio. When I do purchase my first property I want to put as much down as possible and house hack my way to my second property. Any advice or different ways I can think about how financing could be a useful tool?

[Nicholas L.]

@Jack OMalley

start with a house hack

talk to lenders about programs that may be available

all things being equal, I'd put less down to start and keep your cash for other uses

good luck