Did you rent or own while building your portfolio?

[Kyle Larson]

I've read quite a few of the "standard" books about real estate investing talked about on BP but have yet to really see how and where investors live while building their portfolios. I'm planning on holding my first home purchase as a STR but am really struggling to figure out whether it makes sense to try and buy something else right away or rent for awhile to build capital. I'm planning to use a HELOC to finance the purchase of my next property in some way depending on the market.

Seems counterintuitive to be setting my sights on purchasing a new property for other people to rent from me while living in a rental myself. Of course I realize househacking is the perfect solution but just curious about how others have dealt with the initial stages of living while building up a portfolio. I'm especially interested in hearing from those of you who live in expensive markets. I'm in Denver. 

[David Pere]

@Kyle Larson I have done both while building my portfolio. Treat your primary residence as an investment. If you would buy it as an investment, buy...if not, rent!