I want to buy real estate, should I contribute to ROTH IRA?

[Henry Huang]

I'm a college student and I'll be graduating in two years. What should I do with the money I am earning right now in internships if I plan to begin investing in real estate as soon as possible after graduation (whether that's house hacking or traditional rental)? 

For context, my parents are willing to loan me the full amount for my down payment. Should I go with that loan, contribute the money I am earning now to a ROTH IRA & index funds, but pay interest later on when paying back the down payment loan. Or should I continue saving my own money to borrow less/nothing at all for a down payment, but have inflation eat away at it for 2 years?

I guess much of this depends on what the inflation rate will be and what my parents will ask for an interest rate. Am I missing anything? Open to all suggestions. Thanks.

[Todd Ashley]

It’s also worth considering the need to show reserves for each property once you own more than one. Banks require 3-12 months of reserves per property and most will allow you to use a certain percentage of retirement accounts (75% seems pretty standard) to count towards reserves. So sort of a two birds one scone scenario.