College student seeking advice

[Bradley Fulp]

Hey all,

I'm going to keep this as short as possible so I don't take up too much of your time! I am a 22 year old senior at Clemson University. I've had a full time job since I was 18, and for the past year I've been a marketing manager and a licensed sales professional for an insurance agency. I don't make much money and I'm self sufficient.

I've been dying to get into real estate but I have just made up the excuse that I can't afford it for the past year. I want to get a rental property primarily. I've never owned or bought a home, I've always rented. What are the best steps for me to take to get a rental property within the next 6 months? I don't have money to put down as a down payment which has been a big issue. I'm currently reading "No and low money down" and I've been listening to podcasts and the information has been incredible!

I'm super excited to be a part of the bigger pockets community! Thanks in advance for your help!

[Spencer Abeyta]

Start saving up as much money as you possibly can in the upcoming months. Get in contact with a local realtor that works with investors and find a price range you can afford to put a down payment on and have strong enough credit to qualify for a loan on. I would recommend looking for a 2-4 unit multifamily and living in one of the units. This helps you get a loan because the property will be 'owner occupied' and this also allows you to keep an eye on the property. Live rent free as the other units pay for your rent and as tenants move out rehab their units to increase the value of the property and the allowable amount of rent you can charge. This is essentially house hacking as the BP Community refers to it.