I guess I got lucky in 87 buying my 1st flat for £33k paying the mortgage for 5 years and selling it for £29k.
What did i do after this unimpressive first go, moan and go renting? No, I jumped up to £90k level, sold for £290k later & bought higher
Indeed, cake & eat it...all that was/is needed is to share £400 pm saved = £20k in 4 years...I had been an owner for a decade by early thirties & saving £250pm at the same time for the next bigger house @ 30
One bed flats are the easier to let & sell on involving less people to disagree/move/get partners etc. The advertising hoardings' at The Amex are a good place to look for a good local firm who are 'Friends of the Albion'