They keep telling me to rely on my sphere of influence (family and friends) but,my family is dead and I have only a handful of friends who struggle to pay rent and couldn't finance a Buick let alone a 600k house.This first year is gonna be long and hard,I hope it's worth it.Good luck to both of us.

Make sure your lender knows your goals of owning a multi-unit as that influences rates.   

.😜 David, your post takes me way back to the "Influence" system BP used to have back in it's wild wild west.

I was confident I would be able to generate enough business for myself through my sphere of influence, networking, referrals, and self marketing. 

Meanwhile you finish said degree so you can hit the ground running when you have full-time job & moneys.Last thing you want is to be influenced by a deal gone bad and have it negatively impact your education - which will be there lifelong and no one can take away.

As much as agents can "influence" a purchase, the buyers ultimately decide and usually could care less if their agent makes 2.5, 3, 4, etc %.

I am a recent college graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering, largely influenced by the idea that the only way to make a living is to secure a degree and land a job with a good income. 

What might influence it in the future? 

If you're new to real estate without a large sphere of influence, you'll likely be focused on one who provides guidance, training and referrals.

Whatever it may be, the home location may be influenced with your long term goals and your reason for moving.