That would allow you to continue to live 'rent free', while learning the landlord trade and building a track record in regards to actual property management.

I would like to buy my first property in New Jersey, and live rent free.

It give you the benefits of cash flow, a nice rate of return, the ability to resell is if you choose, and you can live rent free if you structure it correctly!

I am in Cheyenne, WY and also a transplant from Calif.

Ideally, I would like to snag up some multi-family buildings in the boroughs outside Manhattan, and perhaps something I could get an FHA loan on and live rent-free.Perhaps, @Albert Bui or @Darren Sager could chime in here.

The one you live in, if bought right, should pay for itself and allow you to live rent free. 

There is a wealth of information, resources and certainly a whole bunch of very experienced people that eat, breath and simply live real estate.

A lot can change in 4 months to 2.5 years if that is what you are relying on.The live, real time sights, sounds and SMELL......especially the smell of a property are a big deal for me since I cannot smell the photos.

My goal is for my other 3 units to pay for my mortgage so I can essentially live rent free!

I would rather buy an investment property (preferably a multi-family home) and rent that out and essentially live rent free in my apartment while saving for a bigger downpayment on a more desirable home when im ready.