Also, if you aren’t a solid drywall patcher, this is a great time to start watching YouTube videos on the topic because that will save you money when it comes time to patch the walls after electricians do their work.

As of now I am renting with my girlfriend in Staten Island and have been saving for a down payment.

How have other young investors handled getting started without much saved and with some student debts?

Do whatever it takes to live frugally, save, and read about investing/real estate.

I have put the responsibility on them and it saves me some time. 

Save a few properties on Zillow to watch the market or as a Realtor colleague to send you MLS is Springfield.

Savings and some was borrowed from a friend

If you don't have employees, that saves you money, but then you are basically living in the coffee shop.I don't know how much you need, but in my opinion, $15,000 isn't nearly enough.I know if I were representing the landlord, I'd want to see that you had a lot more that set aside, unless I was a desperate landlord who was looking for any tenants I could get.I actually have a client with a coffee shop and it's a tough business.I'm not trying to discourage you, I just want you to go in with your eyes wide open.

Once the note is paid down, this house will be our savings account to be tapped with HELOC to access equity as needed.

I bought the house for my retirement.