If you were looking to buy a fixer upper etc..

It'd just be a shame for you to sell a building and pay tax only to then reinvest your net proceeds after tax in buying your first pieces of investment real estate.  

He bought his first couple houses in the first year or two and didn’t buy much for a few years.

I am starting real estate school soon to get my license but here in Florida I was told I can buy as an investor without. 

It’s clear that there’s an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience here, and I’m excited to continue learning and growing with this community.I’m looking to connect with members who are open to mentoring or collaborating on real estate deals, particularly in buy-and-hold strategies for single-family or multi-family properties.

Am I overall lowering my expenses if I buy a two-flat and rent out one unit?   

If anything just buy motivating buyer lists or VA until you build your own buyers list.

So, they could potentially buy another house later on.

We all assume this isn’t a house you’d buy with your own money.

@Jonathan S. you'll get burned if you buy real estate rentals and do not, "manage your manager".Even the BEST make mistakes and no one can catch every mistake.So, it takes a team effort between a PMC and an owner to make it work:)