I think for now at least in the short term stay in school and start saving until you research if you actually enjoy your major and it will give you very high earning year over year and growth so that you can invest.

@Corey Dutton - This current government that we have is doing a very good job of preventing economic growth (whether intentionally or not, I don't know).

This is the reason why savvy investors are chasing markets that have population and job growth.

However given the expected growth of the area, holding rentals is probably a good strategy.

I also do a few things outside real estate which have helped me immensely as a young entrepreneur if you're interested in hearing about them.

If you do not contemplate such things then buying wrong can sink your investing and growth for years or even decades.

Doing this along with eliminating that lingering $215 should help you immensely.

There is enough proven demographic research and media on the subject based on actual facts and sales that for those in the know to see the facts are incontrovertible in its regularized growth and stability.

There are some great areas in Charlotte right now, and the growth is expected to continue.

@Arthur Banks , @Brandon Turner is right that 2% is the "standard" figure used for long-term growth rates, and that it's prudent to make sure you will still be getting a decent return if it is not exactly that.