If a tenant/borrower can't pay $2000 this month, how are they going to pay $4000 next month or $6000 in month 3. 

After you pay off the debt, you may should have enough for a down payment and can start saving for a rental. 

(B) Now you can focus your time and energies on the thing you really like, the deal making.

Since you’re working with a college-sized budget and looking at creative financing, I’d definitely recommend focusing on learning how to analyze deals, understand your numbers inside and out, and start connecting with investors and agents in affordable, cash-flowing markets.

If I had started young, I would have gotten a license but having started older, I decided to focus my efforts on building my portfolio and managing my own properties since I do not want to sell real estate or manage properties for others.

I’ve had tenants stay 3+ years, pay reliably, and take great care of the home.But there are definitely tradeoffs.Section 8 requires more paperwork, more red tape, and annual inspections.

Lots of newbie investors get into real estate on a bad deal and expect everyone else to pay for their mistakes. 

At your age focus on having strong income, saving, building our credit.

.* Long-term growth potential* Tax advantages (especially in retirement accounts or with tax-loss harvesting)**Cons:*** No cash flow unless you're dividend-focused* Market volatility: Stocks can drop 20–30%+ in corrections* Less control: You’re a passive participant vs. real estate where you can force appreciationReal Estate Investing – A Smart Supplement:Real estate, especially long-term rentals (LTRs) - could be an ideal complement to your brokerage accounts:* Monthly cash flow for lifestyle freedom* Tax benefits (depreciation, cost segregation, 1031 exchanges)* Appreciation and leverage options* More control over your investmentIf you want something more passive, turnkey rentals in the Midwest or Southeast are great entry points - low-maintenance, managed properties in cash-flowing markets with strong rental demand.You don’t have to choose just one path.

Purchase price: $133,300 Cash invested: $28,000 Acquired this 2BR/2.5BA townhouse for $115,000 through Southern Focus LLC and financed $133,000 to include $28,000 in rehab costs.