How to Invest in Real Estate: 6 Steps to Get Started

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Many people dream of investing in real estate, but most never take the first step. If you want to get started in real estate investing, there are six actionable steps you can take today.

How to Invest in Real Estate

Step 1: Define Your Goals

No two real estate investors have the same goals. While one investor has an interest in flipping homes, another wants to invest heavily in rental properties. 

Define your goals based on your financial situation, risk tolerance, and long-term investment strategy.

Step 2: Educate Yourself on Real Estate Investing

There’s no such thing as having too much knowledge of real estate investing. The more you learn, the more confidence you’ll have in getting started. 

At BiggerPockets, we have all the resources you need to educate yourself. This includes our blog, boot camps, guides, bookstore, and podcasts. 

As you educate yourself, pay extra attention to market trends, successful investment strategies employed by experienced investors, and how to best use your knowledge and money to your advantage.

Step 3: Network With Experienced Real Estate Investors

You can read as much as you want about real estate investing, but there’s no replacement for networking with experienced real estate investors.  There are many benefits of doing so, including but not limited to:

• Gain practical insights: Learn from the real-life experiences and challenges faced by seasoned investors.
• Expand your professional network: Build connections that can lead to partnerships, mentorship, and investment opportunities.
• Stay updated on market trends: Keep abreast of the latest market developments and investment strategies.
• Access to resources and opportunities: Discover new resources, tools, and potential investment deals through your network.
• Receive support and advice: Benefit from the guidance and advice of experienced investors.
  

The BiggerPockets forum is full of networking opportunities, discussions, guidance, advice, and more. 

Step 4: Choose a Specific Real Estate Investing Strategy

It’s one thing to say that you want to invest in real estate. It’s another thing entirely to do so with a purpose. Your success is based largely on your ability to choose the right investing strategy.

Some of the most commonly used real estate investing strategies include:

• House hacking
• The BRRRR strategy
• The PRR strategy
• House flipping
• Live and flip
• Real estate wholesaling

Learn as much as you can about each specific strategy to determine which one is best for you as a beginner. 

Step 5: Market Research

There’s no replacement for in-depth market research. It’s a risk to invest before you know the ins and outs of your market. At a minimum, your research should include the following:

• Local economic trends: Understanding the economic health and growth prospects of the area.
• Property values and trends: Tracking the changes in property values over time.
• Rental market dynamics: Assessing the demand for rentals, average rents, and occupancy rates.
• Local laws and regulations: Being aware of zoning laws, rental regulations, and tax implications.
• Neighborhood characteristics: Evaluating factors like safety, amenities, schools, and future development plans.

Step 6: Assemble Your Team

You’re only as good as the team you build around you. Here are the types of professionals you need on your side:

• Real estate agents: They provide valuable market insights and help in finding the best investment properties.
• Lenders: Crucial for securing financing options tailored to your investment strategy and financial situation.
• Tax and financial service professionals: Offer guidance on tax implications and financial planning to maximize your investment’s profitability.
• Property managers: Essential for managing the day-to-day operations of rental properties, ensuring tenant satisfaction and property maintenance.
• Contractors: Their expertise is vital for property renovations and repairs, impacting the value and appeal of your investments.
• Professional services: Includes experts like appraisers and surveyors, who provide information for informed investment decisions.
• Legal team: Important for navigating real estate laws, contracts, and legal disputes, thus protecting your investments legally.
• Wholesalers: Provide access to off-market deals and potential investment opportunities at lower prices.
• Insurance: Protects your investment properties against risks and unforeseen events, which secures your financial interests.

Your Journey Begins

Now that you know the basics of how to get started in real estate investing, you’re no longer lost and looking for answers. When you’re ready, take the first step on your journey—you won’t regret it!

Note By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.