I work in corporate America and have co-workers in their early 30's that are paycheck to paycheck because of their lifestyle choices. 

I don't have an expensive life-style and don't need much money for myself.

I'm a complete newbie in real estate investing, still trying to get to that first deal.My reasons for wanting to crush it in real estate is that I want to be able to give my wife and children the lifestyle we've all dreamed of, and make retirement a real possibility.My reasons for not having jumped in already is that I know my tendency to go straight for the elite level, not taking the time to build the infrastructure to support that level of success. 

(They've become accustomed to the lifestyle you've provided...).Just one opinion...I'm sure you'll get a lot of others and that's the great thing about BP. 

Unfortunately, I don't think the property I live in now will pull in enough rental income to cover the mortgage, and on top of that, I'm fairly certain selling the property would actually take money out of my pocket.I do have some time to think about all this, since the company I work for has a travel ban in place right now due to COVID-19, I'm not able to travel to Portland for work yet, but whenever this pandemic ends, this job opportunity and big lifestyle change will be staring me in the face asking for action to be taken.I want to get into real estate investing at some point in my 20's, and I don't want to set myself up for failure by making bad choices with my current situation.

Think about what you're comfortable with in terms of financial commitment and lifestyle.

@Paul Koger Your budget of $320k will be able to find you a home in a number of locations, so it will all depend on your investing criteria, commute, and lifestyle preferences.

Basically find a OG or investing a old grandpa wiseman who’s investing years show in his lifestyle and then align your interest with his in exchange for mentorship.  

I don't have an expensive life style or expensive hobbies or habits. 

Because unless I go to college for eight years with money nobody has, Im doomed to the mediocre 9-5, survive, not thrive lifestyle/cycle forced upon just about my whole family.I honestly don't know my WHY statement...