Your age is one good example, how long are you going to play the game and when do you want out?

I don't see hyperinflation in the future like what many others on here claim, but I do see painful tax increases via high inflation, entitlement changes (higher age to qualify, lower benefits, or some combination thereof), and more expensive debt of all sorts that dampens economic growth for a long time.

College students are an interesting age group...I like them!

Ahhh.... the age old question.

Great to see your getting started at a young age.

You're getting this because you are a sharp guy, mislead IMO, but you have possibilities and you are way ahead of your age peer group educationally, so believe it or not, I have been trying to help you, not mess with you for the fun of it.

Also, although FHA may be an option for you, it seems that most people on here who purchased property at a young age did so using owner financing or their parents - is this generally the case?

They would sell their humble little Bay Area abode for 7 figures, then move inland to Fresno and Clovis where they could buy a McMansion, all cash, and still have a nice little nest egg left.It could be a while before that situation returns, but with the aging population, once the economy and housing market fully recovers, I think you'll find millions of Baby Boomers finally taking their long awaited retirement, liquidating their once again inflated coastal real estate holdings, and moving inland for the easy life.

You can usually find someone to help you along, a mentor, in your local area, maybe a new Realtor about your age might be a good fit, but soon you will need a mentor that has experience that can show you the ropes.Curt was right again, you need to work on tour own credit.

I was never able to grasp the concept of locking your money up and not being able to take it back out until you reach the age of 59.5!