One consideration I've had (but have not yet begun to explore the feasibility of) would be owning a duplex and renting out the other half to begin my investing journey and stop paying rent into zero equity; but much more information would be needed to understand if this is possible in my financial state. 

Got my finances in order, met with my financial advisor, analysed the sh*t  out of the market.

@Christopher Balian pay off your credit card debt. credit card rates are super high interest and will eat into your overall financial picture.

Agree that financial downturn is likely imminent. 

My team and I are looking to get our second property under contract and it's a mixed use building- Store front w/ residential apartment up top, and two single family homes attached- very strange...Here's what I know before visiting the property:- It's downtown in a very mall city with a historic board- Separate meters for electric- One bill for sewer and well (I'm assuming it's county sewer but will investigate further to ensure not a septic)- I'm going to ask for the leases and ask the renters what they're paying for rent.As a mixed use building I'm assuming I'd need to dig into the store fronts financials to ensure they're capable to afford the property.

Cheers and best of luck.... know that this househack could be the thing that jump starts your journey to financial freedom...

I am a college student (senior) and want to get started in real estate.I know I don't want to go to anything financially heavy-based (commercial real estate analyst, underwriter, etc.).I wanted to gain ideas from this great community what are some jobs/departments in residential and commercial that one can go into that still pays well, but isn't so strictly revolved around finance and has good growth opportunity.

Over the last year I have purchased 9 units in total and hope to use Brandon Turner's turn of "Stacking" over the next 5 years to get my business to where I would have financial freedom. 

Does anybody know a financial institution to open a Self Directed IRA?

Thanks  for posting very hard to give a recommendation with or knowing your financials and set of circumsatnaces .