I never got the whole "this will change your life" sales pitch - it is only going to change your life if you put the work in.

Quote from @Jared Leggett: Quote from @Corey Conklin: I know that moving away from home isn't what anyone really wants to do but in your situation it would absolutely change your life, financially (and for the better) if you left.Again, I don't know your situation but I can tell you that a sanitation worker in a small town in Kansas (town of about 12,000 people) makes more money than you do living in NYC.

Explore my personal favorites, Set For Life by Scott Trench or The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, for invaluable financial insights.3.

Have both a personal and REI emergency fund because life happens.   

Partnering with a wholesaler sounds fine, but check the real estate licensing laws in your state before bringing a buyer for a commission.You might consider getting your real estate agent's license and legitimately earn what your skills, drive, and experience truly command. exactly wholesaling or bird dogging is not a life time or long time occupation  RE sales can be lifetime and if your any good at it at about year 10 you should be getting all your sales from referrals and such.

This is the biggest decision of my life and I don't know what to do!

But if you hold that thing for 10 years I don't see how your life is not completely different and people don't think your a genius for buying a middle of the road househack now.

Looking forward to learning from you all and of course becoming a millionaire real estate mogul and eventually President of the Universe.Welcome Chris: I’ve been a landlord for over 25 years now and I know some good local resources I use to make life easier too! 

I just did my last one in my life for CA. 

It can sometimes happen even shortly after buying a unit - life forces change sometimes.