College student getting into real estate

[Elias Saarela]

Hi, this is my first post here. I'm 18 years old, just starting college (studying business). I've been learning about real estate for the past few months by reading books and listening to the BiggerPockets podcasts, and I have made it a goal to purchase my first property in 2026. I would like my first property to be a house hack, so potentially a duplex if I find a good deal in my college town (Boise, Idaho). I am posting this in search of guidance and suggestions on what to do and how to start. Is this house hack a good idea? Should I perhaps try something else? I will also start analyzing the market over the next few months to better prepare for my first deal. Responses are appreciated! Thanks :) P.S., I don't yet have my goal fully set with real estate, but I know I want to retire early and achieve financial freedom. Who knows, maybe I'll end up fully focusing on REI straight out of college, because I hate the idea of slaving away at a 9-5, but I enjoy the idea of REI potentially giving me that FI that I'm looking for.