New Motivated Baltimore Prospective Investor

[Jeremie Torres]

Hello all, 

I'm new here and new to this. I have this burning desire to become financially independent cos I can't do this 9-5 for 30 more years. Insert investing* I dip my hands a little bit into the stock market and had a little success but I figured that RE is where I can really put my money to work for me. I've been learning about RE investing since the pandemic lock down started (I guess it's a blessing in disguise). Anyway, here's my situation, I'm locked in with my current lease in my apartment til April 2021. Good thing with that is I get to focus on saving and learning. I managed to erase all my debts, shoot my credit score just a tad bit short of 800 and even stopped contributing to my 401k for the meantime to fund my first property/investment/both purchase. I know, I'm aware of my company matches that I'm missing out on. But I've always wanted to have my own business and I decided that this is going to be it for me and I'm gonna fund it with the money I used to contribute to my 401k. I'll probably get back to it once I get started and build momentum with RE. 

Now, say April 2021 rolls around and here I am ready to pull the trigger on my first investment, now I'm torn between purchasing a primary home for me and my family or to purchase a rental (Which means another year of lease in the apartment while having a rental property) OR possibly have both (A duplex or something to that effect). 

I really don't know what I'm asking. It's just that window shopping and seeing these great properties come and go makes me feel like I'm missing out on opportunities cos it's difficult for me to make a move at this time, though I know there will be plenty more opportunity. Am I anxious? maybe. But I'm disciplined enough not to make a dumb move and break my lease and possibly put me in a position to mess things up. I'm in great position for next year to make my first move. 

I'd love to network with folks who has the same interest. 

Thank you for your time.