25 year old in Phoenix just getting started

[Edward Carlin]

Hi everyone,

I'm originally from Austin, TX (where real estate is exploding right now), but I've been in Phoenix for the past year and a half. Now that I've just started a new job here, I figure I'll be in the Valley of the Sun for at least a couple of years, and since I feel like I know the neighborhoods of the East Valley pretty well now, I'm interested in dipping my toe in the real estate waters.

Every bit of advice I've ever read for 20-somethings strongly recommends saving and investing money to make use of the time I have on my side. I'm very fortunate not to have any debt, but even though I'm good about saving money, it's not doing much good just sitting in my checking account, so I'd like to neutralize my living costs and start some cashflow.

I'm primarily interested in multi-unit properties I could live in and rent out to offset the mortgage, though I'm a bit wary of becoming a landlord. I've read several articles on BiggerPockets already, and I recently attended a workshop at a local real estate office, so I think my next step is to get in touch with an agent in my area and get pre-approved by my bank so if I come across a good deal, I'll be more ready to seize it.

If anyone has some indispensable tips for a complete neophyte just getting started, I'd appreciate it!

-Ed