Should I live in a cheap house while I try my hand at real estate

[Kevin Nguyen]

I am trying to decide if it is smarter to buy a cheaper house vs a more expensive one while I try to start real estate investing.  The cheaper house will have a larger up front cost due to maintenance and renovations. My wife and I make about 160k a year. No debts. The cheaper house will carry a mortgage of 1800/month and the more expensive one is 2300/month. The house that's 2300 per month is newer, in a nicer neighborhood, and more spacious. It is a longer term house and  we love the newer house. 

Will spending more on this home bite me in the butt later when I try to get loans for investing? Should I choose the cheaper house while I spend a few years trying to start real estate investing. 

[Chris T.]

@Kevin Nguyen

Real estate is about location, location, location. What may seem like a cheaper house now may be more "expensive" in a few years if/when you cannot sell what you bought it for. 

Since it's going to be your primary residence, I suggest going with the more desirable house. I would assume it's in a better location and your potential for appreciation may be greater. 

On the other hand, some people may suggest going with the cheaper house, and use the savings to invest or buy another house. 

@Andre P. made a good suggestion. Search "house hacking" on BP, it could be a very viable option to start your real estate journey.

Good luck!