Wish I had started when I was your age.

He has 2 surviving kin, one of which is institutionalized, and I'm fairly certain his (middle aged) daughter will want to sell.What makes this a possibly great opportunity is the fact that he was the first owner of the home, built in the late 50s early 60s, and owns the property free and clear!

Especially at the age of 21.

I have seen @Jay Hinrichs story and know he started at a young age and has done very well.

Properties are generally much cheaper relative to the rent they pull in, than in NY.3) Lower fixed costs - lower real estate taxes for starters relative to your rent roll, etc.4) Lower variable costs - labor is A LOT cheaper here.  5) Less stringent code enforcement.6) Less maintenance - milder weather, and younger average age of homes make for less maintenance.   7) Diversification - low entry price to buy property allows and investor to manage risk by buying properties in different neighborhoods instead of putting more eggs in one basket.In additional to the benefits I listed above the city is growing so fast that homes rent very quickly, often times before the sale of the home.  

Im very interested in real estate, always have been since a young age.

I would find a hardworking college or high school aged young person with a snow removal/landscaping business.

There's no reason you shouldn't be able to retire by age 40 as long as you make some fundamental early decisions that will set you on the right path.

I hear of people my age still playing video games night and day.

I find in my local area there aren't very many people that are close to my age (mid 30's) and pushing themselves to the next level.