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Does this sound like a great idea regarding being a landlord and starting a real estate empire?
The idea you present is not uncommon, many have tried it before.  It would be a great step to find landlords in your area and talk to them about lessons learned.  It might cost you a lunch or cup of coffee but it could be the best investment you make. rent it out for a small profit (hopefully make around 3 - 5k a year in profit) Given the median price of a home is ~220K, and you are investing 44K, you are looking to make between a 6 and 11% profit.  I would not classify this as small in the current interest rate environment. One aspect you are overlooking is risk.  What happens if a furnace breaks, or someone does not pay their rent?  While some may advocate borrowing money to buy rental real estate all reasonable advisers advocate having sufficient reserves to cover emergencies.   Keep in mind that 33% of homes in the US do not have a mortgage and some investment experts advocate only buying rentals with cash. Currently owning rental property is a really good deal for the owners for a variety of reasons.  Markets are cyclical and I bet things will not be as attractive in 10 years or so.   Keep in mind you are borrowing ~220K or whatever you intend to pay.  You are on the hook for that.  A bank may not lend you the money, and even if they do a couple of false steps could leave you in a deep hole.  That should at least give you pause. All that being said, I really like your gumption.  I like your desire and perhaps you should set a goal of owning your first rental property for 5 years from now.  In the mean time study and become educated in the business.  Perhaps get your real estate license.  Perhaps go to work for a property management company to learn the ins and outs of their business.  I would do this even if I had a better paying full time job.