Should I purchase duplex while in grad school?

[Ana Lozano]

Hi all, 

I’m 24 years old and thinking about purchasing my first property. I want to purchase a duplex home for less than 200k. I will live on one side and rent the other side. This covers my mortgage and I’ll be living rent free! I have about 15K in savings but will also begin graduate school this fall. Masters degree will cost me less than 12k and hoping to pay as I go. I’m debt feee right now. Anyone has experience attending school and having tenants? How can I prepare for this purchase? My biggest worry is that I won’t find tenants or will be vacant for more than 3 months. Wait to finish school and have “steadier” stream of income.. or go for it?!