You'll likely need a higher down payment if you can find anyone willing to finance something like this as a first time investor; many require some level of rehab experience at the very least.

The loan is with you, not with your tenant, so none of that means anything to them - in fact because you live in one unit and it's under 4, if you were self-managing you don't even have to abide by fair housing laws (at least on the federal level). 

That way, you can get your foot in the door, start building equity, and stay at home a bit longer to save more money.You could also consider the BRRRR method where you buy a fixer-upper, rehab it to add value, rent it out, and then refinance to pull your cash back out.

Charming, smaller coastal towns with a slower pace of life, natural amenities, seclusion and semi-self sustainability are high on the wish list of many high level clients and investors. 

I’m not sure if this is for you, but...If you’re serious about leveling up your real estate game in 2024, there’s no reason not to try this.

And do you have a certain price range in mind and I assume you're good with up to a moderate level of rehab?

And what is your price point and are you looking for turn-key properties or something along the lines of a "fixer upper"?

The referral fees, which operate similar to a multi-level marketing models, often incent these students to post the rare assignment fee check that does get done to every social platform they can and make it seem like they have an "in' with the guru leading the program. 

It also requires gaining a level of sophistication and knowledge that not everyone has the time, inclination or ability to do.

Price to rent ratios have skyrocketed everywhere and it's pretty unlikely rent will ever get to a point where it evens back out because at those levels it's just as cheap/cheaper to buy (not to mention most renters can't afford anything like that).