Could a savvy 21-22yo with $50,000 invest successfully?

[Eva Arnold]

Hello everyone,

A young person could join the military right out of high school and save up $50,000 during a four-year hitch.

Assuming that young person did a lot of self-study on real estate during his or her military service, could this person get out as a 21-22yo and use that $50,000 to invest successfully in real estate, such that maybe in 10 years or so that person could achieve financial freedom? If so, what are some general thoughts on the path such a person would take?

Thanks so much in advance for your replies. I am an Army veteran and wish I'd been smart about finances; one of my friends saved $100,000 during a five-year enlistment. 

I'm working on a little book urging young people to consider other options besides going to college straight out of high school and racking up student loan debt.

I don't have much to offer in return but I am a licensed CPA and could try to answer any basic tax questions you have. 

Very Respectfully,

Eva