Theyll go back to work to afford their upcoming rafting trip or adventure.  

I am aware of the tax benefits however like I may have mentioned, my next step in my investment adventure is to fix a house up and sell it in less than a year.  

Especially when you are first starting out.Have fun, it really is a big adventure.

. :)ya we sure hate that gambling for appreciation.. but some folks have to live with it.. good job.

I dream of financial freedom (as I would think all of you mostly do LOL) but I also want to start my REI adventure because I'm tired of the 9-5, I want more time with my family, and I want more purpose in life than just delivering pizzas.

Get very familiar with the eviction process in your market and follow things to the letter and quickly.Make sure to vet tenants thoroughly and pick wisely (and even then it is a gamble). 

So, I see two options for you:Find yourself an adult relative or acquaintance who knows you well to assist you on your great investment adventure, or;Spend the next two years here on BP and elsewhere absorbing everything you can about real estate investment, and then hit the ground running the second you turn 18.Either way, you're bound to learn a ton and experience outrageous personal growth!

Have fun - it's a great adventure. 

Might as well rent unless you want to gamble on appreciation.

I am just now embarking on my rental real-estate adventure.