What's the First Step

[Nathaniel Hirschler]

Buy a home, right? Yes, but no.

Right now I am living with my parents and working a full-time job for $14. I am investing every penny and putting it in stocks and crypto. They have been gracious enough to not charge me rent while I save.

I want to get into real estate, but even a simple 3/2 home is $220k+ (at the bare minimum) in the area that I am living.

The rental rates would most likely be $1400 monthly for that home. So it doesn't meet the 1% rule, and expenses would outweigh any rental income from the home.

Given this, what is a sensible first step? If I move somewhere else for a slightly better paying job, all of my income would go towards rent. If I stay in the area, my job options are limited and low pay. It's a tourist economy with seasonal income. I am lucky to have found a full-time position.