That way we might get another property under our belt by then and the income from the properties should more than offset the student loan payments.

I'm a buy and hold %100 but after you have 4-5 deals under your belt, you should have a very good understanding of the market and can pull a flip or two a year to help offset bad debt.I say stick with REI and just make sure you keep getting amazing deals like your first SFR.

Im actually not even sure HOW much risk I am taking, but I know it will rent well, and I do actually trust the partner, he has many years under his belt doing this on his own.Thoughts?

But we all got to get a few properties under our belt to achieve rockstar status!! 

I am very new to real estate investing, I'm more focusing on wholesaling to get my foot in the door.none under my belt yet, but my question is what would you do if put in my shoes. 

By the end of 2017 I plan on purchasing a multifamily property with positive cash flow located near Boston, MA (ultimately, inside the 495 belt).

age doesn't technically matter but it can hinder you a bit. first, it's hard for most new investors to show they know what they are doing. reason is, most don't, until you have a bunch of deals under your belt and you actually do know what you're doing. so a 19 year old with no experience, you're going to have to really convince people you can closethe second is just years of knowledge.

The best advice you'll receive will usually come from other investors (especially if they have a few losses under their belts in addition to the wins).I am not an agent or PM myself, just an investor.

Your final niche most likely won't be your only avenue - the more tools that you have in your belt, the better.

And you can discount that Southern Californians generally have more money (and investable capital) than the rust belt.