I'm a newly single mom (35 years old) to a sweet baby girl who just turned 1. I'm currently living with my parents. Living under my parents roof while trying to raise my daughter is too much and I need to get my own space. I'm very grateful that they have allowed me stay with them, but I think it's time I move out.
I have recently learned about house hacking and it excites me to think that I can get started in real estate investing with little down and I could possibly change me and my daughter's life. I don't want to live paycheck to paycheck and I really want to achieve financial freedom while doing something I'm passionate about. No one in my family has a clue about real estate investing and I grew up expecting to work the M-F from 9-5 and paying on a 30 year mortgage that will hopefully be paid off by the time I retire at the age of 65. I don't want that kind of life and I want my daughter to grow up knowing that there are other possibilities if she also desires something different.
I don't currently have a retirement account and I need to change this. I have my daughter full time and I currently work 2 days a week. My mom watches my daughter those 2 days while I work and I don't have to pay any childcare which Im very thankful for. While my daughter is so young I want to stay part time. I can afford to move out and rent something while working 2 days a week, but I know I would be living paycheck to paycheck, so that's where house hacking could possibly help.
I have an emergency fund and a good amount in savings. I've been listening to the Bigger Pockets podcast, but I'm just not sure where to start. I don't have anyone to talk to or ask. My family thinks I'm absolutely nuts when I talk about house hacking. They have no idea what I'm talking about when I bring up real estate investing. I do have a current real estate license that I never used, so I've really forgotten that knowledge.
What advice or tips would you have for me?