What should i do: my possible first purchase for myself

[Kevin Cardinale]

What should i do: my possible first purchase for myself

So I've been renting all this time. Taking the advice of people on here, I went and got a job, to have some throwing around money for real estate. while I've been doing research for all these other people, I have not done any for myself, so I find myself in a bit of a jam:

My roommate's lease expires today. While I hate living in this apartment, it is also the cheapest place in all of Las Vegas. [rent wise]
I want to purchase a house for myself, and leave room for a renter. I would bring my roommate, who's a filthy, lazy slob, along with me, because he does pay rent and bills, and if all else fails, his parents will, even at the age of 41 years old.
However, that being said, I cannot beat $250.00 in rent.
There is a super cheap condo around the corner, but I would have a condo with all the fees to deal with, and in the end, be left with a condo as rental property. but, given my living situation, it would be better than staying here.

I welcome any and all suggestions.