18 Years old, First Real Estate Investment/Recommendations.

[Elijah Berg]

Hello!, I am an 18-year-old early graduate high school student. Post graduating high school at 16 years old I worked at the fast food chain full time that I currently work for today I am in the process of transitioning to a Teller position at a local bank to generate income while working in the field of finance in addition to being approved of my grants for my Business and administration degree.

With the situation Im presently in, I have nearly 8k saved, My car is paid off, I'm going into college in the next 5 months expense free and I pay $300/month to help live with my mother who covers food, utilities, etc. After speaking to a family financial fiduciary and a local landlord at my boxing gym they recommended I pursue the degree if it is paid and contact said landlord If I'm looking to make a move on purchasing a property in the area.

I have always been in love with the idea of being the owner, investing in the properties, and actually owning the equity while trying to learn as much as I can every day. As I digress, the question I have is should I pursue a real estate license to get my foot in the Real Estate world? Joining a brokerage? Attending REIA meetings? Attempting first cold calls for sales/buys? Purchasing my first duplex to rent? In preference to holding off on the license and building a nest egg while furthering my education on investing in residential properties for a while?

Thank you for your time and consideration any help is greatly appreciated!!!