Given the current economic atmosphere, particularly after the mortgage crisis, many people question if buying a house will actually turn out to be a wise investment. If you’re a first-time home-buyer concerned about your financial future and worried that you’ll regret buying a property, you should consider entering the world of real estate and making your first home an investment property. By leveraging your property to earn rental income, you can ensure that your house pays itself off and help secure your financial future.

Most people tend to wait until they’re on at least their second house before diving into real estate, but getting into the real estate business as a first-time homebuyer isn’t as difficult as you might think. With this in mind, here are four reasons why you should make your first home a rental property.

1. Renting Fits Your Lifestyle

Being young and independent is a liberating feeling, but it’s important to remember to plan for your future and save money, which can be difficult given the busy and exciting lifestyle of most adults who are first-time homebuyers. Renting out your house, however, fits this lifestyle perfectly; once the property is purchased, you can earn money renting it out no matter where you are in the world. This is a particularly ideal source of income if you’re often traveling or visiting friends and family, which is often the case for young, first-time homebuyers, as it allows you to save up money without sacrificing your chosen lifestyle.

2. Renting Gives You Another Source of Income

Once you purchase the property and find tenants, renting provides you with long-term returns on your investment that grant you another source of cash. Many young adults desire an active lifestyle while still recognizing that they need to save money, and renting your property is a way to earn extra income without working multiple jobs.

3. FHA Loans are Often Available

Many potential first-time homebuyers think they’re unable to afford a house because of the 20% down payment required for any property. However, in many cases, you can make the purchase even if you have less than 20% for the down payment by getting an FHA loan. These loans are intended in part to help those with less-than-perfect credit scores become homeowners; however, the regulations do state that you must reside in the property you purchase. To get around this, it’s often possible to purchase a property with three or four rental units and make one as your primary residence, even if you aren’t always home.

4. Real Estate Demographics are Changing

The Research Institute for Housing America recently published data claiming that immigrants will drive 36% of real-estate growth over the next two decades. With more people desiring to become homeowners, you can put yourself in a profitable position by becoming a property owner. This way, if increased housing demand makes the value of your neighborhood rise, you’ll be able to benefit.