Brand new south jersey/philadelphia investor

[Steve Novosel]

Good evening Bigger Pockets community, Thanks for reading. I currently work as a realtor in the south jersey area (as a side job). However, I am looking to start investing my commissions in rental properties, or flipping properties. I am young (22) with some decent capital saved up. But not nearly enough to buy cash. Is starting off with having a mortgage a bad idea? Can anyone recommend any good rental market areas in philly and/or south jersey? Ideally I am looking for some advice to a brand new investor on some things you wish you did starting out. Thanks everyone, Steve