Starting to invest in real estate at 18... Am I crazy?

[Rand Knutson]

Hi, I am 18 years old and have around $12000 saved up. I was thinking there must be some way to use the money meaningfully, and then I came across a YouTube video of Robert Kiyosaki's tips from Rich Dad Poor Dad. He says that smart people don't save money, they invest money. I was thinking of opening a Roth IRA and investing the max $5,500 so the money would at least be growing, but then I started researching real estate investing, and heard many think it is the best form of investing. I am thinking after I read a ton, listen to podcasts, videos etc., and learn a LOT on the subject, I would buy my first rental property within half a year. Is this a tangible goal for an 18 year old going to college next fall? Is there really enough benefit in real estate investing that would warrant this purchase? I would like any advice as I am only 1 day into my researching mission. Thank you!