Transitioning from renter to owner

[David Horton]

I currently rent, but it is very cheap.  My question is, would it be prudent for my first deal to find myself a good place to own, and then use the things I've learned and the contacts I've made from finding my own property to getting an investment property?  Or should I start looking for an investment property now to flip and use that money as a down payment for something I could even possibly pay all cash for and live rent-free?  Am I putting the cart before the horse?  If you were in my position and starting out, how would you proceed?  Thanks so much for taking the time to read this!