Should I live in with my first rental property?

[Hendrik Burger]

Hello world! 

I am a recent graduate with a full time position as an engineer looking to make my first deal and continue on my family's real estate venture.  My parents started a real-estate business when we moved to the US from S. Africa and have a hand full of rentals so far. I want to start my own venture and am considering buying my first investment property as a live in. I have a mid 650 credit level (as I just recently re-consolidated all my debt and will start paying monthly payments when I receive my approval letter). I have been renting for 5 years and have never missed a payment. 

Is this a good route for kick starting my real-estate investment portfolio?  Are there any recommendations or alternatives to consider? 

Thanks for the insight! 

HJB