Newbie from chicago seeking advise

[Pedro Sanchez]

Hi everyone I'm new to the forums I'm in the chicago area and would like to know if anyone knows of a good reia club around the area, my question is should I try to rent out my town home and buy a sf home and make it as my primary residence to avoid the 20% down payment and only pay 3.5% I guess my question is is this a good way to start a real estate career , thanx to anyone that responds