The National Association of Realtors is forecasting a major rebound in 2026, with double-digit growth in home sales and home prices projected to rise another 4%.They’re also predicting the economy will add 1.3 million new jobs, keeping demand strong despite the ongoing housing supply shortage.After three years of the lowest sales volume since 1995, this would be a huge shift.

As my job is our only income which only nets $3,100 a month.

Yes it eats in to bottom line, but our goals are to be passive investors and not create another job by self managing.  

I am trying to be on the cutting edge as the entire job landscape in America changes with AI and automation. 

I have zero debt and a surplus of money that I would like to invest while I can due to my job post graduation.

That's just another job & we could not scale doing work ourselves.What was your timeline from Purchase to Sold?

I always recommend people get a job in real estate.

What to look for in a good rent-by-the-room propertyThis matters a lot:• At least 3–4 legal bedrooms• Two or more bathrooms• A layout where bedrooms don’t share thin walls• Plenty of parking• A common area large enough for multiple people• A location near hospitals, colleges, or job centers• A basement or attic that can be finished legallyAnd most important:A floor plan where rooms feel private.Privacy is what keeps tenants staying longer.My honest adviceAt your age, with energy and time on your side, this strategy can fast-track you if you treat it like a business.But don’t do it blindly.Tour existing co-living houses in your area.Study your local ordinance.Model the extra expenses and the extra time.Room-by-room renting works, but it works because the operator is organized, not because the property magically prints money.

Cleaning the coil can be a job, or maybe easy if there is an access panel for it.In your case, I agree get a second opinion.

I would say primary use case for me would be underwriting right now,  getting comps, job growth data, rent growth data , debt situation on property.