Best Route to Save Money for First Deal

[Kurt Kline]

Hello,

I started researching real estate a few months ago. I have read a few books, listened to the BiggerPockets Podcast, and attended a local real estate meetup. I am 23, and I just started working at a tech firm about a 1.5 years ago. Currently, I have about 27k in my savings account, and some change in my Roth 401k. 

My question is: What is the best way to save up money for my first deal? FYI I am hoping to score either a 3 or 4 unit multi-family home that I can live in and hopefully live rent free. I just read Investing in Duplexes, Triplexes, and Quads by Larry Loftis and I believe he proposes an excellent strategy. 

I know that I can save capital by just piling it up in my personal savings account, but my gut tells me that that idea isn't very smart since my money isn't growing at all. I would like to invest more into my personal 401k and create an IRA, but I also don't want to limit my chances to invest in real estate if those types of accounts create complications.

I am hoping to acquire my first property within the next 2 years. I read a few posts regarding a Self Directed IRA/401k, but it seems that maybe that is a better strategy if I already have more money in my IRA/401k? Or maybe there are options I am not even considering.

Please let me know your thoughts, BiggerPockets community!