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Updated about 7 years ago on . Most recent reply
![Jonathan Edmund's profile image](https://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/no_overlay/uploads/social_user/user_avatar/938135/1621505877-avatar-jjedmund.jpg?twic=v1/output=image/cover=128x128&v=2)
Buy A Primary Before Purchasing First Rental?
I have recently decided to pursue long term rental properties part time as being a Realtor in my area is my full time job. I currently have held off on purchasing a primary residence due to wanting to pursue rental properties. I wasn't sure if it was a better idea to incur the debt of being a homeowner before having 1 or 2 rentals under my belt first. As a first time investor, do you recommend finding a good deal and using the property as a rental property first or with the first deal, using it as a primary for a year, then renting out and moving onto something else?
I currently don't have much debt besides a small amount of student loans and a car payment and my monthly living expenses. I'd like to weigh the pros and cons of both options if possible. Any input is greatly appreciated!!! My end goal is to eventually move out of full time real estate and be a full time investor.
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![Shawn Ward's profile image](https://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/no_overlay/uploads/social_user/user_avatar/550363/1621492354-avatar-shawnducati.jpg?twic=v1/output=image/crop=358x358@0x0/cover=128x128&v=2)
@Jonathan Edmund my recommendation is that if you truly want to be a real estate investor, then you should purchase real estate like an investor...not someone looking for the American Dream.
Thus I'd recommend:
1. House Hack
or
2. Rent and Buy rentals or flips
Onwards!
sjw