Best to study these and do the correct due diligence beforehand so you are not disappointed in an investment.

https://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news/study-reveals-....Not sure BP will allow that link to post, if not just google " 10000 saved using a broker vs direct lender" and you can find the article.On the flip side, there are some banks and credit unions that could offer products that they do not allow to be brokered.

Use this time to study at the university and continue to study real estate.

RCS (Rent Comparability Study) to increase rents What was the outcome?

Then, if you decide to explore a mentoring program, you will have the background knowledge to actually evaluate it and make an informed decision, and you'll be able to speak the language and ask intelligent questions.

Study the market.

The longer you wait, the better, even though there is no direct language in §1031 about doing a cash out refinance after the purchase.

But, I don’t think that should be a very high bar for you especially if you are already studying and researching this at 18 years old and you don’t plan to buy anything until 2-3 years from now at the earliest.

Now I'm not gonna be Mr Tour-guide for any/all who want to stop out and just look around but if you go through the steps and are serious, we have built out acquisition strategy HECK-YEAH I'm gonna say come-on-out and we'd carve out some time to do market tours together AND I'd equip you to do some self study/exploration. 

Study the market.