If you had 18k to invest as a 1099 employee.. what would you do?

[Jessica Price]

I have been wanting to buy a property for a couple of years now but I am a 1099 employee, so getting approved for a loan has been very difficult. 
I live in an expensive market - Austin, TX. 
Would you find a DSCR loan and buy out of state, in a cheaper market with 20% down or would you save the 18k and find a new job with a w2 so you can buy in Austin with 3% down?

Help please and thanks! :) 

[Michael Dumler]

@Jessica Price if you enjoy your 1099 and love what you do, then you should invest your time and capital into the business to increase your income. The reality is, that 18k is not a lot to get started in real estate. One needed roof replacement or system malfunction is going to cut into your reserve fund substantially killing any potential return you were hoping for. If you don't enjoy what you're currently doing, then it's best advised you pick a new w2 profession, save capital, build credit, and house hack your first property by utilizing an owner-occupied loan to get better financing terms. Hope this helps!