22, Debt Free, 120K Annual Income and looking for my next move

[John Bart]

Hello Everyone, my name is John and I work as a Stationary Engineer in the State of Maryland (Close to DC). As you can tell by my title I am 22, have no debt, make around 120k a year and I am currently living at home. I want to get into real estate to begin my journey towards financial freedom, but I am confused on which route to go. Should I first look at a house for myself? Should I invest into a rental property? Should I flip? With the housing market being the way it is in MD should I look for an out of state rental or flip? And after all of that should I try and pay for it all myself or look for other investors? I am just a young guy looking to make a step in the right direction in the real estate world, any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. God Bless you all!