Newbie: starting out and asking for advice

[Matthew Donaldson]

Hello, I am new to real estate but have been researching for a few months. I would like to invest in buy and holds and I'm thinking a house hack would be the best place to start. I am currently renting and my lease lasts until September. my question is should I move forward and buy a property and end my lease, or wait until nearer to the end to buy. I plan on getting a single family and renting to short term employees near my W2, unless I find a multi-family, in which I would still rent by the room but the other unit would be a standard rental.

I look forward to comments, advice and constructive criticism, thank you!