Based on what I now know (after nearly 40 years in the real estate business), if I were fresh out of college, I would approach my real estate purchasing differently.

First, I would purchase sooner. Instead of paying rent I would use that money toward a mortgage.

Second, I would buy low down payment properties that I could live in and I would have lived there.

Thirdly, once I fulfilled the lender’s owner occupancy time frame requirement, I would purchase another owner occupant, low down payment property and I would have moved into it.

Fourth, after moving into my next home, I would rent out my previous property.

I would keep doing this pattern until I purchased too many properties or my needs changed. Feel free to call me if you would like to discuss implementing a version of this plan.