Would it be wise to team with friends and get a deposit down on our first investment property to begin early - or look to other investments?

Q.

I am 21 years old and have just begun full time work earning a base of $55k a year. I have a HECS debt of $24,000 and own outright a brand new car and have around $10,000 lying around different saving maximisers and funds. I currently live at home and don't plan on moving out. I am not seeking your advice as to whether or not the property market is a feasible investment, but rather, given my circumstance, as to whether I should jump into the market this early on with uncertainty. Would it be wise to team with friends and get a deposit down on our first investment property to begin early - or look to other investments?

You don't have enough money for property at the moment, and only you can decide when is the right time to enter the share market. However you could think about paying some of your savings off your HECS debt to take advantage of the discount, and eventually talking to an adviser about a margin loan to buy share based investments. The interest on this loan would be tax deductible.