<prompt> Human: I am 20 years old and in college. The opportunity recently arose to purchase an apartment in the building Im living in. My dad will assist with mortgage payments, but hed like me to make the majority of the down payment. This would require me to spend the majority of the money Ive been putting away over the years. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 20,000. I would live in this place till Im ready to move into a house, and then retain the property and rent it out. The rationale is that mortgage payments will amount to less than rent this building has very expensive rent. Is it stupid, at this age, for me to do this? Im thinking not, because Ill need to buy a home eventually. I work while in school and will continue to invest as I have before, so Ill make this money back eventually of course, Im just looking for other opinions.  <response>: Real estate is usually a good investment. Play your cards right, take a room mate, let them pay the mortgage for you; enjoy your future cash stream. 