Steps to take?

If you like to be risky with your capital maybe try putting it in some index funds, crypto, or stocks that you believe in and understand and then take it out when its made a good return and then use it for the downpayment.  

Seconding this—I’d love to see an updated view of this!

But also, how long does it take in this case?

Then take action.

I would focus on the house hack and not take a pay cut.

It will take away from your cash flow each month but you will have the 15k per property that you get a loan on and then you can get another property with it which may create enough cash flow to pay the new loans that you have created.

Be prudent and cautious, but take calculated risks.REI meetups are a great place to meet like minded people and connect.

The seller was willing to take a secondary position on other property assets and provide a 3yr 4% interest on his loan.

If I choose to also pursue the real estate investment and management concentration, I will have to take one more semester.