I agree on getting your own place. Most people spend way too much of their income on housing. Between the actual cost and financing it's a huge chunk of take home pay each month, for thirty years. Early on in life I realized I wanted someplace of my own. My first place was a dive, but was improved and made a profit when selling. Every move made equity and before you knew it I was mortgage free. I'm a big believer in sweat equity. Building is the least expensive, but is daunting for a first timer. Also without some cash, most banks will not loan to a first time builder. They don't want to get stuck with a half built house that's not up to code. You can find run down places and take a couple years to fix them up using garage sale/craigslist scavenged stuff.