<prompt> Human: I just turned 21 and have a bachelors in Computer science. I have a steady job out of college and need some advice on my current investing plans. Ill have about 28,500 dollars every year that isnt going into anything. I have a Roth Ira in which I max out the contributions every year and I am currently putting only 3 of my paychecks into my 401k due to my company not matching anythingWe get stocks instead. I had my contribution at 5 but lowered it because I would like to be able to have a house within the next three to four years and I felt that I should be saving more towards that financial investment.All my student loans are payed off, I have no credit card debt, and that amount I stated earlier is after all expenses are paid and the maximum contribution to my roth ira is made.I would like to invest in a house but I am not sure if I should be funneling my money into a savings account to have enough for at least 20 down on a house to avoid mortgage insurance. Id like to invest into a house around the 300,000 dollar mark and I would rent out rooms to save money.Should I be taking a totally different route towards this housing investment and invest a portion of that 28,500? I know the stock market isnt looking pretty right now so I dont want to put a hardcore amount into my vanguard account. Is my projection of 3-4 years unrealistic?  <response>: I would like to invest in a houseHouses are generally crappy investments.Buy a house because you want a home, the benefits that come with home ownership, and can accept the liabilities it comes with too. I would rent out rooms to save money.Carefully consider this choice. Being a landlord can be a real PITA, especially when you live with the tenants. I know the stock market isnt looking pretty right nowHow do you know that? Is my projection of 3-4 years unrealistic?It doesnt seem to be. Youre currently banking 28.5k so you could theoretically afford a 20 down payment on a house in 3-4 years. 