I wish i knew about money like i do now, back when i was like 17. I would have bought a house when i was 18/19 and just rented it out for the next 10yrs.
Then, when i was finnished traveling around the country, i could either, A - move into a cheap as house or B - Use the Massive amount of equity i would have gained to buy a house someplace else or C - Sell up and buy elsewhere with a massive Deposit.
however, D. occurred, i just spent cash on whatever, like cars, motorbikes and Rent. 10yrs later, i had $0 to my name, no cash saved, no assets, and struggled like hell to save for a deposit for a house that is now 5 X the price it was 10yrs ago.