College Student Starting a Real Estate Journey with Upcoming 18-Month Job Rotation

[Tyler Humphrey]

Hi BiggerPockets Community!

I'm excited to be here and connect with like-minded investors! My name is Tyler, and I'm currently a college student who recently landed a unique job opportunity starting in June 2025. For 18 months, my company will have me rotating between Houston, TX; Midland, TX; Oklahoma City, OK; and Pittsburgh, PA, covering both my housing and car expenses.

Goals & Investment Strategy:
My goal is to save aggressively over this period to build a strong financial foundation for real estate investing. By the end of the rotation, I’ll have some say in where my company places me permanently, and I’d like to make an informed decision that aligns with my real estate goals. I’m especially interested in house hacking as my first investment since it seems ideal for building cash flow, reducing expenses and gaining experience without heavy initial capital.

Questions & Market Focus:
I'm still learning, but I’m starting to research these four markets to understand which may be the best fit for house hacking. Here's what I’m considering for each:

• Houston: Diverse job market and high rental demand, but property prices are rising.
• Midland: Potentially lower property prices, but market stability often ties to the oil industry.
• Oklahoma City: Affordable market with decent rental demand, but I’m curious about long-term growth potential.
• Pittsburgh: Growing rental demand, especially in areas like Mt. Lebanon and Lawrenceville, and a market with moderate price appreciation.

Why I’m Here:
I’m hoping to learn from anyone with experience in these markets or those who have started with house hacking. Any advice on entry-level investments, navigating market research, or tips on property management would be greatly appreciated! I’m excited to learn, contribute where I can, and hopefully find the best city to kick off my real estate journey.

Thanks for welcoming me!