Newbie looking for advice....

[Richie Ardire]

Hello real estate enthusiast world, 

I have recently been inspired to invest in real estate by a random meeting with a stranger. It started with one book that lead to a few and eventually lead me to the bigger pockets podcast...now im hooked. I recently dedicated myself to the goal out getting out of debt right before this interest in real estate investing. The big question I face right now is to wait to invest until my debt is paid which should be about 12 months? I have no money saved except some cash from a previous employers IRA. If I was to wait until the debt is paid I would still need to save up for a 6mo security fund which may take another year leaving me almost two years out from getting into the game! Do I wait to pay off the debt or jump into an investment and make it happen? My thought was to "house hack" live in a dublex (if I can find one that I can afford that I could qualify for a lower down payment) and rent the other unit out to get my foot in the door, or find a 2/2 condo/townhome with the same concept. What to do?!?! What do you think? all advice welcome...

Richie