Questions from a Newbie

[Julia Rao]

Hi there! I'm brand new to BP and have just started ready books about REI. I'm 25, newly married, living in Durham, NC where I work as a chemical engineer.

I’m going through a quarter life crisis (lol) and considering a career change, as I’m pretty miserable in my current field.  What I’m looking to do would be a significant pay cut, so I’m investigating other options to help fill the financial void I’d be leaving behind. 

REI has definitely piqued my (and my husband's) interest. Before I make any moves I definitely have more research to do, but I just wanted to put a question out there.

My husband and I currently live in an apartment, but we want to buy our own home soon.  I am just waiting to figure out where I’ll be working and what my new salary will be. We have ~$50K saved up towards a down payment. 

We would consider house-hacking, but not totally in love with the idea of having roommates. We also would consider Airbnb-ing a room. But is it even worth it for me to consider buying REI property any time soon, or just focus on our own house? Seems like I should cool my jets with this venture and wait until we have our own house for a few years?

Any advice/opinions welcomed!