Can this be done?

Question

Hello! I’m new to real estate investing. I’m trying to devour every podcast, YouTube video, and website I can access. I’m trying to learn to create my own real estate investment business. I work full-time as a paramedic and make decent money. However, the thought of going into debt to start this adventure has caused my wife to not see my dream. Can this business be started from raw with nothing? If so where do I even start?

Arman Ahmed · Answer

@Matt Settle

Matt, totally get where you’re coming from—getting started can feel overwhelming, especially with a family depending on you. The good news is yes, it can be done starting from very little, but the key is to focus on strategies that require less upfront capital, like house-hacking, creative financing, or partnering with others who have capital but not time. Education is important, but pairing it with action (networking with local investors, analyzing deals daily, and talking to lenders) will build your confidence. Many of us in the Midwest market started small and scaled step by step—what makes the Midwest attractive is the lower price points, steady rental demand, and cash flow potential, which make it easier for new investors to get traction without overextending.

Caleb Brown · Answer

You can do no debt it'll just be a slower way to go. Debt does sound scary but keep in mind you are buying assets not racking up consumer debt. If she's debt adverse you can put larger down payments, have higher cash reserves and take the conservative route. Everyone does it differently so figure out what works and what makes sense

Chris Seveney · Answer

You will need cash or debt, its either one of the other.

Ryan Rominger · Answer

It’s definitely possible to start small without taking on heavy debt. Many investors begin with house hacking, partnering, or saving toward that first down payment while learning the ropes. Since you’re already diving into podcasts and videos, I’d suggest also focusing on building local connections and understanding the numbers in your own market. That foundation will help you spot opportunities that align with your comfort level and goals.

Izaiah Barba · Answer

Hey Matt, it’s awesome that you’re diving into real estate and using different resources to learn what’s going on. There are a lot of ways to get started without money: For me, I went the wholesaling route. Finding opportunities by reaching out to sellers and then matching those deals with buyers. I started with the outbound approach, mostly texting and calling homeowners. Once I had a deal that fit what buyers were looking for, I’d bring it back to them and make an assignment fee in the middle.So yes, you can definitely start with nothing. There are different ways to go about it, but I’m happy to share more on the wholesale / bird dog side if that’s the direction you want to explore.

Kerlous Tadres · Answer

Hey @Matt Settle! From my experience, you can definitely start with very little; it just takes a smart game plan. I’d recommend focusing first on building knowledge and relationships before jumping into debt. Spend time learning your market (go to local meetups, network with agents, property managers, and lenders). You can start by house-hacking, or partnering on a small multifamily property where you live in one unit and rent the others. This approach allows you to get in with lower cash and financing requirements. I’d also suggest talking openly with your wife about a plan that limits risk: maybe set a clear savings goal and timeline so you’re using your own cash for the first deal instead of heavy borrowing. The key is to learn, save, and network so when the right deal comes, you’ll know the numbers and have the team to move fast.

Samuel Al-Harbi · Answer

I see it more of a cash flow situation. I started investing first as a house-hack in a 3 family property. 2 of the 3 units would pay the PITI, and I would essentially take what I would normally pay in rent and use that towards banking a reserve. Not for the faint of heart either, but more comfortable for me as a beginner 4 years ago. Any time you have to make a payment is a risk, but at least you can lock in a mortgage rate

Nicholas L. · Answer

@Matt Settle

hello.  i'm not sure what you're asking.  a lot of us work full time and are building our portfolios on the side.

can it be started with nothing?  no, you need money.

can it replace your full time income?  not for years and years and years, unless you're the Lebron James of real estate.  i am certainly not the Lebron James of real estate.

can it be done without debt?  most of us don't, but sure, if you save up the cash.  the returns unfortunately on unleveraged real estate are pretty low.  the amount of real estate you'd need to own free and clear to generate income comparable to what you're making right now is probably a lot more than you think.

i hope this helps - i don't mean to be discouraging but long term rentals are a grind and just don't generate a ton of passive income.  i'm buying mostly for equity right now.

Chris Howell · Answer

@Matt Settle

You dont have to take on debt to get started.  Make a partnership with someone who has the cash or they dont mind to take on the debt.  You be the guy that handles everything else and make sweat equity work for you.   You just have to be in a partnership and each know your roles in the partnership.  This is expensive way to start and get money  but its a way without taking on debt personally.

Henry Clark · Answer

OP.  Stop reading and watching podcasts.  Let's narrow down your options.  You don't need to answer these online.

1.  What town do you live near?  Reason- learn in a market you are familiar with.  Narrow your focus down.

2.  How much investable cash do you have?  Reason- you can work backwards into the size of your investment. Say you have $20,000.  You can finance with 10% downpayment.  Then you can do a $200,000 deal.  Narrow your focus down.

3.  What is your housing arrangement?  Reason- can you do BRRRR, rent share, etc.  How much is your housing, that can be part of your financing.  Narrow down your RE strategy.

4.  What is the makeup of your family?  Reason- again to narrow down your RE strategy.

5.  Wifes concerns- either you have to take her along for the learning, or do risk analysis on the investment for her so she knows  the top side risk.

This will now help you to narrow your learning and to start actually to do some deal analysis.

Can this be done?

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