Should I purchase during an oil crash?

[Jace Prozeller]

Howdy everybody, 

This is actually my very first post on here and I am completely new to real estate investing. I have invested much of my time learning how this whole ordeal works but, I still have a few thoughts that I would like to run by y'all. 

Since I've started researching, I have knocked out a lot of distractions (watching T.V., video games, Facebook, etc.) to keep me more focused on my goal. I've looked into many different types of RE. To start my journey I want to get out of my overpriced  apartment and into a duplex free of rent. Good first choice? Why? 

I live in an oil boom town and right now everyone is hurting for good money with no signs of any prices dropping. I am afraid of purchasing and not being able to fill the other half of the building thus leaving me in a slump. But I guess thats what risk taking is all about, right? Do you think a duplex, with how the market is, is a wise decision for a first investment?