25 and getting into real estate — would love your advice
Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 3 votes
25 and getting into real estate — would love your advice
Most Popular Reply
Bryce JamisonPro Member
Rental Property Investor · Mebane, NC · Member since 2015 · 493 posts · 439 votesFor everyone thinking about getting into real estate investing, I recommend spending at least 6 months educating yourself through websites likes this and its family of books and podcast, other real estate podcast, books at the library, and local meetups. After 6 months you'll know what strategy you want to deploy, and have the confidence and knowledge to do it.
This can also provide time to pay off any consumer debt, save an emergency fund, and start saving for a property as needed. This time can also be spent learning everything possible about your target market using websites like Zillow.
At 25, you could house hack a new house every 2 years and may be able to retire between 40-50.
15 Replies
- Investor · Get yourself trained before doing something inadvisable. · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes1yJoin a local REIA (NationalREIA.org). Ours is $20 a month. Don't fall for the expensive ones. There's No particular advantage for the extra money.
Quote from @Juan Esteban sola:
Hey everyone, I’m 25 and just getting seriously involved in real estate.
I currently work at a private capital firm and I'm trying to learn as much as I can from people who’ve been in the game for years. I’d really appreciate any advice you’d give someone at the beginning of their journey — things you wish you knew earlier, mindset shifts, or lessons that shaped your path.
Thanks in advance for sharing — I’m all ears.
– Juan- Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 3 votes1y
- Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 3 votes1y
Quote from @Ken M.:
Join a local REIA (NationalREIA.org). Ours is $20 a month. Don't fall for the expensive ones. There's No particular advantage for the extra money.Quote from @Juan Esteban sola:
Hey everyone, I’m 25 and just getting seriously involved in real estate.
I currently work at a private capital firm and I'm trying to learn as much as I can from people who’ve been in the game for years. I’d really appreciate any advice you’d give someone at the beginning of their journey — things you wish you knew earlier, mindset shifts, or lessons that shaped your path.
Thanks in advance for sharing — I’m all ears.
– Juan
I’ve already joined a local REIA here in San Diego. Appreciate the tip
- Flipper/Rehabber · Bloomfield CT · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 408 votes1y
Would be interesting to learn what it would take for the private capital firm you work for to give you a loan to kick off your real estate journey
- Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 3 votes1y
Quote from @James McGovern:
Would be interesting to learn what it would take for the private capital firm you work for to give you a loan to kick off your real estate journey
Yes, I’m actually working on that — building good relationships with local banks and credit unions. Laying the groundwork step by step.
- 1yBryce JamisonPro MemberRental Property Investor · Mebane, NC · Member since 2015 · 493 posts · 439 votes
For everyone thinking about getting into real estate investing, I recommend spending at least 6 months educating yourself through websites likes this and its family of books and podcast, other real estate podcast, books at the library, and local meetups. After 6 months you'll know what strategy you want to deploy, and have the confidence and knowledge to do it.
This can also provide time to pay off any consumer debt, save an emergency fund, and start saving for a property as needed. This time can also be spent learning everything possible about your target market using websites like Zillow.
At 25, you could house hack a new house every 2 years and may be able to retire between 40-50.
- 1yAaron ZimmermanBusiness MemberAccountant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
I would look to educate yourself and house hack. Make sure you have enough saved up in the event of a disaster but otherwise, but otherwise keep house hacking for as long as you can. You will be very pleased within 10 years
Brick House CPAs53 Reviews- Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 3 votes1y
Quote from @Aaron Zimmerman:
I would look to educate yourself and house hack. Make sure you have enough saved up in the event of a disaster but otherwise, but otherwise keep house hacking for as long as you can. You will be very pleased within 10 years
Yes, that actually seems to be the most feasible approach for now — especially when combined with property management. It makes the whole operation more sustainable and scalable? - 1yAaron ZimmermanBusiness MemberAccountant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
@Juan Esteban sola yes I would agree. You're ideally saving money house hacking so you're able to buy properties quicker by moving from one house hack to another
Brick House CPAs53 Reviews
- 1yAdam KingBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · San Diego, CA · Member since 2023 · 87 posts · 45 votes
Quote from @Juan Esteban sola:
Hey everyone, I’m 25 and just getting seriously involved in real estate.
I currently work at a private capital firm and I'm trying to learn as much as I can from people who’ve been in the game for years. I’d really appreciate any advice you’d give someone at the beginning of their journey — things you wish you knew earlier, mindset shifts, or lessons that shaped your path.
Thanks in advance for sharing — I’m all ears.
– JuanThis is a great place to start your journey.
If I were to start all over again, here is the advice I would give myself:
Narrow down your strategy to a few that you will think works, read books, listen to podcasts, and reach out to local investors currently working in your desired field.
With so many strategies out there it can be overwhelming, but a few good places to start are House hacking, and PML with flippers that you may know.
Finding a mentor to work with can also be a great avenue to take. I was fortunate enough to work for my dad who flipped homes for decades, and as a realtor I have had a few great mentors.
If you have any questions I am always here to help!
Adam King - NewTown Real Estate520 Reviews- Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 3 votes1y
Quote from @Adam King:
Quote from @Juan Esteban sola:
Hey everyone, I’m 25 and just getting seriously involved in real estate.
I currently work at a private capital firm and I'm trying to learn as much as I can from people who’ve been in the game for years. I’d really appreciate any advice you’d give someone at the beginning of their journey — things you wish you knew earlier, mindset shifts, or lessons that shaped your path.
Thanks in advance for sharing — I’m all ears.
– JuanThis is a great place to start your journey.
If I were to start all over again, here is the advice I would give myself:
Narrow down your strategy to a few that you will think works, read books, listen to podcasts, and reach out to local investors currently working in your desired field.
With so many strategies out there it can be overwhelming, but a few good places to start are House hacking, and PML with flippers that you may know.
Finding a mentor to work with can also be a great avenue to take. I was fortunate enough to work for my dad who flipped homes for decades, and as a realtor I have had a few great mentors.
If you have any questions I am always here to help!
Hi. I really appreciate the thoughtful advice. Trying to connect with investors here in San Diego and possibly align with a property management angle. Definitely taking the mentor route seriously too. Thanks again
- 1yAlan AsriantsBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
Hey Juan! Good for you for trying to get started so young!
My best advice for anyone in this position is to HOUSEHACK! This is the path of least resistance for most people as it does not require 20-25% down, and you can take advantage of the best rate.
Its tough enough as it is to save up for a 5% down payment and closing costs. For most people having 2-3 solid properties that will eventually be paid off is incredibly powerful and an amazing investment strategy.
There's no need to reinvent the wheel here. Buy a home, live in it, after a few years move out and rent it out and repeat this a few times until you are ready for your BIG move and are done with your investments.
Using low money down leverage is a powerful tool.
Just make sure to buy the right home in the right location! Appreciation will take care of the rest! Best of luck
Alan Asriants - New Century Real Estate 590 Reviews - 1yMichael SmytheBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Metro Detroit · Member since 2023 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location/neighborhoods to invest in.
Why is Property Class so important for investors to understand and apply in their investing strategies?
Because the Property Class dictates the Class of the tenant pool that the property will attract.
The Tenant Class greatly impacts rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.
Both Property Class and Tenant Class affect what type of contractors, handymen and property management companies will work on a property.
If you buy & renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what Tenant Class will rent it?
Or, if you put several Class D tenants in a Class A four-plex, what do you think will happen to the property?
So, if you fail to apply the correct assumptions to a property, your expectations won’t be met and it may even be a financial disaster.
We use the following to rank Property Classes, in order of importance:
- Property Tenant Pool: closely linked to location, but not always.
- Property Location: closely linked to tenant pool, but not always.
- Property Condition & Amenities: it’s important to, “Maintain to the Neighborhood.”
Key metrics for each Property Class:
Class A Properties:
Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 680+, no convictions/evictions in last 7 years.
Tenant Default: 0-5% probability of eviction or early lease termination.
Section 8: Class A rents are too high and won’t be approved.
Vacancies: 5-10%, depending on market conditions.
Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Class B Properties:
Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 620-680, some blemishes, no convictions/evictions in last 5 years.
Tenant Default: 5-10% probability of eviction or early lease termination.
Vacancies: 10-15%, depending on market conditions.
Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 1-3 years for positive cashflow, balanced amounts of relative rent & value appreciation.
Section 8: Class B rents are usually too high for the Section 8 program.Class C Properties:
Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 560-620, many blemishes, but should have no convictions/evictions in last 3 years. Verifying recent 2-years of rental history very important! Same for 2-years of job/income stability.
Tenant Default: 10-20% probability of eviction or early lease termination.
Section 8: Class C rents usually meet program requirements, proper screening still recommended.
Vacancies: 10-20%, depending on market conditions and tenant screening.
Cashflow vs Appreciation: Should cashflow immediately, at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.
Class D Properties:
Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores under 560, little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, but should have no convictions/evictions in last 12 months. Verifying last 2-years of rental history and income/employment extremely important to find the “best of the worst”.
Tenant Default: 20-30% probability of eviction or early lease termination.Section 8: Class D rents meet program requirements, often challenges to pass Section 8 inspection.
Vacancies: 20%+, depending on market conditions and tenant screening.
Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciation.
Where did we get our FICO credit score information from?
Check out this chart:
FICO Score
Pct of Population
Default Probability
800 or more
13.00%
1.00%
750-799
27.00%
1.00%
700-749
18.00%
4.40%
650-699
15.00%
8.90%
600-649
12.00%
15.80%
550-599
8.00%
22.50%
500-549
5.00%
28.40%
Less than 499
2.00%
41.00%
Make sure you understand the Class of properties you are looking at and the corresponding results to expect.
Metro Detroit has 132 cities, the City of Detroit 183 Neighborhoods, which we’re analyzing and classifying. Check out the map on our website where we’ve made this all easy to follow.
We can also share numerous examples of properties & portfolios we’ve assisted investors with!
DM us if you’d like to discuss this logical approach in greater detail!
Logical Property Management4.9446 Reviews - Rental Property Investor · San Francisco Bay Area · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes1y
That's great that you're getting started so young! Agree with the househacking strategy and buying the right property in the right location and getting your finances in order.
Things I'd wish I'd known earlier: don't sell off a California property because it's getting a little rough (it was rented out then market declined). Now this property is worth a lot of money. I didn't have a real estate investor mindset back then.
Learn more about construction and renovation costs and how to analyze inspection reports. Network with investors and contractors at meet ups - some may let you walk their projects.
- Real Estate Agent · Washington, DC · Member since 2025 · 157 posts · 77 votes1y
Quote from @Juan Esteban sola:
Hey everyone, I’m 25 and just getting seriously involved in real estate.
I currently work at a private capital firm and I'm trying to learn as much as I can from people who’ve been in the game for years. I’d really appreciate any advice you’d give someone at the beginning of their journey — things you wish you knew earlier, mindset shifts, or lessons that shaped your path.
Thanks in advance for sharing — I’m all ears.
– JuanWelcome to the BP community. You'll find tons of good info here along with some very helpful experts. Spend time to not only save but also educate yourself on the area, market, property classes, people's mess ups will be very helpful as well. Good luck on your journey!
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