Not wanting to discourage you or anything, but renting at the end of the day, is just wasted money. You don't get anything back like you would after paying a mortage etc. But you are only 18 so I would say renting for a while will do you good. I assume you live with your parents at the moment? Moving out with give you a better idea of what to expect in the future. Personally, I wouldn't rent for a long time if possible for the above reason. I just realised that hasnt really helped at all, so yeah, sorry