Age 23 - Prioritize Real Estate Down Payment or IRA?

[Vidal Anguiano]

Hello,

My name is Vidal and I am a relatively new member. The question I bring before you all is about savings prioritization. The two options I'm considering at this point are 1) start saving for a down payment for an apartment/condo which I will live in for two years (during grad school) and rent thereafter (to students near university) - and 2) don't buy now, rent during graduate school instead, and just put most savings away in traditional retirement saving vehicles.

The time horizon for saving a down payment is 12-months.

If more information is needed please let me know. I appreciate the advice and forthcoming discussion!

-Vidal