Newbie to Investing, Co-Buying with a Parent?

[Sophia Smith]

Hello! 

I am a total newbie when it comes to real estate investing, but the Bigger Pockets podcasts/community has really influenced me. I am very excited about the possibilities that real estate investing could create for me in the future. I am 22 years old and have recently graduated college (May 2019). Over the last 7 months I have been working full-time at a hospital as a clinical research coordinator. I do not hate my job, it is rather interesting but I as Robert Kiyosaki wrote I am totally "working for money" (thanks Bigger Pockets for the book recommendation). Although I like the stability and security, I am already starting to feel a bit trapped in my 9-5. 

I live in Buffalo, NY and housing is pretty affordable. Many sectors of the city are up-and-coming and there are tons of colleges/universities, major medical hospitals, some professional sports, and factories around. 

So heres my dilemma: My lease is on my apartment is up August 2020 and I'm debating on whether I should rent and save another year (which kills me a bit inside) or invest in a multifamily property and house hack. But, I am fearful and discouraged, as I am unsure if I am in a position to qualify for a good loan. Therefore, I am not sure if it is realistic at this point. Here is my financial situation at a glance:

-Credit score fairly good about 700 to date

-I have saved up a decent chunk of money over the last 7 months

-I have student a good chunk of debt (thanks to college and student loans approx. $29,000), however I am on a regular repayment plan and I can afford my monthly payments.

-My one year of full-time employment is July 2020, although I have worked part-time since I was 15

-I am nervous about my debt to income ratio and how that may look on paper

So I am considering going in on a property with my dad. My dad is looking to get into real estate investing too. He for sure has the means to do it, so I am wondering if I co-invested with him on a property if I would be more likely to get a loan? I know that mixing business and family isn't always a great option, but I am thinking it could a good option in regard to my financial situation. Ideally I would like to find a multi-family house, where I could occupy one of the units and house hack. But, I know this all takes a lot of time and I want to make sure that I really understand the market and everything investing encompasses.I am trying to learn all that I can through books, podcasts, youtube videos, my own searchers, talking to people in the industry and attending seminars, but I am still new to this world.

What thoughts do you guys have? I am working on a shorter timeline like I mentioned, my lease is up August 01 2020, so I am not sure if it is even a realistic goal right now. Would you advise I rent another year? Wait it out, save some more money and pay down more debt, then try for an investment in 2021? Or try my luck and attempt to get a loan, possibly with my dad as an investor too? 

Any advice is greatly appreciated!