Seeking advice on how to put myself in the best environment

[Brandon Dinsmore]

Hi all,

I am 23, currently an electrical engineer and just completed my real estate class. I will be taking the test soon and would like to do that on the side, while getting into rentals and staying employed. I am living at home and plan to have my college debt paid off around the new year. I am planning on buying a house in the summer time and living with friends so that I can live for free and or make money. I have absolutely no experience and have just been doing research and listening to bigger pockets podcasts. What do you think would be the best direction on how to network or put myself in a like-minded environment? Also any recommendations on paying off my college debt right away vs keeping the debt and putting a larger downpayment on a house?