I have $4,000 dollars and 3 months - what are my options?

[Samantha Tite Webber]

Hello all! My name is Samantha, and this is my first post. I'm currently an undergraduate at the University of Florida.

I'm getting started in real estate investment and at the moment I have $4,000 with which to invest. My deadline to act is September 1st, as I will be leaving the country for a year.

My question - a), should I seek to invest before leaving the country? And if so b), what sort of investment should I attempt? I intend to eventually purchase an SFR and rent it out, but is that feasible from where I currently stand? I was thinking perhaps I could put the money into a CD or some such investment until I return to the US next year. However, if I can take a step into REI within the next 3 months, I'd really like to do that. What I'm mainly asking is, to what direction should I aim my efforts at this moment?

Thank you all for reading and for any advice you may have. I look forward to learning from you!