I am happy renting an apartment for $3000 now, with around 10 minutes bike ride to work.My question is: would you recommend me to:1. buy a single family home in South San Jose, drive an hour to work every day.

Once again congrats and get ready to ride the tide of REI!

If the area is growing, then it may be great to ride out appreciation over 30 years - if you hold it that long.

Suggestion; have lofty goals, but enjoy the ride. 

I wear a cowboy hat, ride horses and carry a gun.

You could be driving for a ride share or grocery delivery services within a few days.

Congratulations on your new purchase, enjoy the ride!

I simply move too fast for banks, and I'm smart with debt, so if I can ride an interest-free credit card balance for 18 months, you bet I will.

I wouldn't let it ride until spring, you'll have 20 of the smelly little critters in the walls by then.If traps don't work, I'd definitely call an exterminator. 

Hi Dylan,You could go to W2 work for a year for an industry biggie, such as Greystar or Pinnacle (market rate properties) in Texas, (or where you are at now), for a year as a leasing agent and (boots on the ground) learn how to lease units, as well as get an understanding of how to be a first class property manager Learn things such as, how to handle maintenance, reports, people skills, evictions, cash flows, unit turns, problem residents, borderline qualifiers, flag flyers, parking disputes, physical confrontations, arguments, personal safety, etc....That would chunk out your 1st year requirement as well as put some money in your pocket while doing it.And if the economy nose dives, ride it out on the W2.Just my 2 cents.