Your best bet is to keep liquid cash and avoid PMI.

Here’s a deeper dive into what’s shaping rental trends:Would love to hear your strategies and perspectives, especially if you’re active in the Columbus market!

What is the best strategy to leverage this for my goal?  

Consider different strategies like mid and short term rentals as I believe the Portland area would allow for success in both (although I have heard Portland proper is tough on STRs).Best of luck!

Once you graduate and have a steady income, consider house hacking as a beginner-friendly strategy—buying a small multifamily property, living in one unit, and renting out the others to offset your mortgage.

Thanks @Robin Simon I plan on reproducing this strategy in 2025 to buy 3-5 more. 

Quote from @Scott Tennell: For real estate investors who have worked with private money lenders, what strategies have you found most effective in structuring deals to ensure both parties are protected and the funding process runs smoothly? 

House-hacking in a multi-family unit is one strategy I wish I had been aware of when I chose to purchase my first property.

I can bet if inflation runs then Boston prices skyrocket, but I doubt Austin does.

(Using house hacking strategy)I would love to receive feedback regarding this region from more experienced investors.