I would agree and recommend to FHA into a duplex, rent out one side to substantially lower living costs, generate equity, and build cash flow.I’d recommend listening to Biggerpockets podcasts, there’s also a great selection of books available that help break down each aspect of Real Estate investing.Then honestly, just look and study the area that you are interested in starting out in to get a feel for everything and think about each property you see. 

I have known about bigger pockets for awhile and enjoy listening to their podcast.

Austin (where I live) has not been attractive for some time now, as the inventory is still overpriced and sellers are slow to adjust pricing - which I understand.Houston on the other hand has numerous areas that are still a value from an investment perspective.

I'll stand by and listen to others experiences on this because I find myself wanting to defend the idea when really I started the thread in order to learn, not teach :)  Thanks all.

What am I listening to?

If there is anyone willing to give me valuable information about Real Estate investing for a beginner, I am willing to listen.

For the past few months, I have been watching YouTube videos, listening to podcasts, and practicing with deal analyzers.

Elon Musk as said numerous, numerous times he actually expected Tesla and Space X to fail.

I've been listening to the rookie pod cast for over three months everyday on my way to work and my goal is leave my w2 job within the next three years.  

I have a background and education in Construction Engineering and worked in commercial construction for the better part of a decade while I was investing in residential real estate on the side.I've been in brokerage as a real estate advisor for the past 4+ years full time and I specialize in 2-4 unit residential multifamily which accounts for half of what I do (about 2 or 3 multifamily deals a month) and the other half consist of single family homes and condos.I grew up in San Diego and its all I know, I got my undergrad in Construction Engineering and Graduate degree in Business locally also.I am a big fan of starting off investing locally with low money down and that is how I personally started myself...I read a ton of books and listened to countless hours of podcasts but all the magic happened when I stopped reading and listening and started taking action.Welcome and feel free to send me a private message if you want to chat.