I’m definitely open to exploring roles in property management, lending, and transaction coordinator to help me learn the ropes and save for a down payment.

You could absolutely save the money and over time, learn everything I learned by listening to podcasts, reading books and watching youtube videos (except having the regular check ins with a mentor).

I use buildium which is a good value and I think the integration with tenant turner alone saves triple the hours needed to be worth the cost.

I would still need to subscribe to a streaming service for cable tv, so cost savings wouldnt be much (or a wash), but otherwise it seems like it might be a viable alternative?

I would sit tight and save some more.

I.e. if your monthly payment on a $402k PP is 1700, you are saving 314/mo, or $3768/yr.

The year of the purchase I saved money like a madman and saved roughly 22k.

Occasionally there is some decent Savings in those relationships as well.

So I would encourage you to adjust your expectations starting out and develop the discipline of saving money so that every month your net worth is higher than the month before.

The investment is a little bit more upfront since you'll have to furnish the room and bathroom fully, but you may be able to command a higher rent each month since you're covering all utilities, WIFI, and providing all the furnishings.Either way, renting out the room is a great idea and I'm sure it will be helpful so you can rest a little bit easier while you save to move to Lakeview, eventually :)