Need some feedback/advice please

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Hello all! I am a newbie and I originally wanted to start with a multifamily but there's not a lot of inventory where I'm located (Middlesex County in NJ) and other areas I'm considering. Im currently renting a 1BR apartment and every year, my rent keeps increasing and whenever I reach the end of my lease, I feel pressured to make a decision to renew it because I just couldn't find the right timing to purchase a property. With that said, I'm considering purchasing a "cheap" condo to possibly lower my monthly payment and hopefully have some equity within a few years. The extra money I will save monthly will be put towards downpayment for a multi and I figured it will be a bit easier because I won't have the pressure of finding one at a certain time because I wouldn't have a lease to renew. I understand the risks of investing in a condo due to HOA fees associated with it and no guarantee of any appreciation and the association not having sufficient cash reserves (not sure also what is sufficient). I would really appreciate your opinion/feedback as to what I am contemplating. Thank you so much.