REI while renting an apartment?

[Jordan B.]

Hello Everybody,

Here is my situation,

I am very eager to jump into REI however I just signed a 15 month rental lease with my girlfriend. Do you think it is a good idea to try and pursue long term buy and hold rental properties while still paying $600/month in rent? Or would it be wise to wait until the lease is up and have my next residence be a house hack so I will not have the added stress of having a fixed rental payment on top of a mortgage payment etc. ?

I am 22 years old with about 30k in savings. I am currently looking to invest in the Cincinnati/Dayton, Ohio market (where I currently live).

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Jordan