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.

@Jacob Hrip For a first-time investor, financing options like a HELOC or private funding depend on your strategy and risk tolerance.

Maybe we can brainstorm some strategies together!

Sounds like a great strategy David.

And Sec8 sounds great, but comes with it's own issues.Add it all up you get a low dollar, but high headache strategy, which is a challenge that gets amplified, especially when you are operating remote.

Start with $8K through FHA loans, joint ventures, private money loans, crowdfunding platforms, and BRRRR strategy.

Are there any other real estate investing books that the forums would consider essential to a first time investor?  

As a property manager, it's crucial to understand the nuances of these fraudulent practices, recognize the signs, and implement strategies to mitigate risks effectively.Understanding Rental Application FraudRental application fraud occurs when a prospective tenant provides false information on their rental application in an attempt to secure a lease.

Seems like a low risk strategy for you to start taking action on your dreams, which is the crucial ingredient towards reaching FI. 

If you ever want to discuss strategies, share experiences, or need additional resources, feel free to reach out.