Getting started in Real Estate at 19 in IN - Advice Needed

[Carson Cicenas]

Hello and thank you for reading my post. I’m 19 years old and recently started a career as a full-time firefighter/EMT here in Indiana. My salary is about $70K, with overtime and raises steadily in the future. I live with my parents for now, which allows me to save aggressively and plan for investments.I’ve been interested in real estate for years and want to start building my portfolio as soon as possible. My ultimate goal is financial freedom and long-term wealth through buy-and-hold rentals, ideally moving into multifamily and possibly small commercial down the line if that is something im still interested in. I’m willing to sacrifice lifestyle now to set myself up for the future.

Here are some details about my situation and questions I’d love feedback on:

Finances:

1. Current salary ~$70K, plus some side income from a part-time job ($10–15K/year).
2. Plan to max out my Roth IRA and invest in my 457 retirement plan, but also set aside most of my money for real estate.
3. Currently saving aggressively (shooting for $30–45K by next year). No debts.
4. Living situation:
   • Living with parents for a few years to stack cash.
   • This means I don’t have to house hack right now, but I’m open to it if that’s the best way to start.
5. Location/Market:
   • Based near Indianapolis (open to investing in surrounding towns like Greenfield, McCordsville, Westfield, etc.).
   • Looking for markets that make sense for buy-and-hold and maybe some light rehab. Open to any strategies that come to mind

   Goals:

6. • Short-term: Get "skin in the game" with my first property, ideally a duplex/small multifamily or a starter SFH rental.
   • Long-term: Scale to 5–10 properties by my late 20s, eventually replacing part of my income and continuing to invest.
   • Open to BRRRR, house hacking, or just buying a solid rental depending on what makes sense.
7. Questions:
   • At my age, should I prioritize house hacking, or since I live at home, should I just buy a pure rental?
   • With $30–45K in savings by next year, what types of deals should I realistically be targeting in Indianapolis and surrounding areas?
   • For someone starting young, is it smarter to build cash reserves longer before jumping in, or is it more important to get that first deal under my belt ASAP?
   • Any local Indy investors here who can speak to what submarkets are worth focusing on right now?
   • Overall any guidance us appreciated, just wanting to continue to learn as much as possible.

I’d really appreciate any insights, advice, or even connections to local groups/mentors. I know I’m young, but I’m serious about this and want to learn from people who are doing it.

Thank you for your time!