Creative Finance Obstacle

[Kevin Izquierdo]

My current situation: Im 24, My income was 22,000$ In 2014 (with my current steady job) and really low in 2013 (cant remember the number, but was jumping from job to job) and a 750 in credit score. I want to invest in an owner occupied duplex with an FHA loan in NJ and house hack. I have a little more than 2,500$ for a down payment saved up as of now and no assets, debts, or equity.

I can get a co signer with higher income for me to get pre approved for a loan for a house in my criteria, but by the looks of things, It seems like I could put myself in huge risk due to my low income and no money reserves. Just with 1month of vancancy can pretty much screw me over (rent around my area goes for about 1,500-2,000) and cant even imagine dealing with an eviction (lawyer fees, court fees).

Can anybody please give me some options or suggestions on what I can do to get my REI started?