Feeling Stuck Trying to Start in Real Estate

[Alex Quinlan]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been diving deep into real estate for a while now  researching, networking, and talking with investors — but lately, I’ve been feeling kind of stuck. It feels like I’m going in circles.

I keep hearing the same advice: “Build your team, know your market, do your research.” I’ve been trying. I read BiggerPockets posts almost every day, and I’ve been analyzing properties using DealCheck, but none of the numbers ever seem to pencil out. It’s getting hard to stay motivated when nothing feels like it’s moving forward.

Right now, I’m still in college, so I don’t have much saved for a down payment or even a clear idea of where I’ll be living after graduation. I want to get started, but it feels like there’s not much I can actually do yet.

For those of you who started investing young or while you were still in school how did you get your foot in the door? What helped you keep momentum when you didn’t have much money or certainty about where you’d end up?

Also curious how people are actually finding deals in today’s market. It seems so competitive, and I’m trying to figure out how to make progress without burning out.

Appreciate any advice or stories from people who have been here before.

[Ricardo R.]

Hey Alex,

I’ve been exactly where you’re at, man — reading everything, running numbers, networking like crazy, but still feeling like you’re spinning your wheels. It’s normal. You’re not doing anything wrong — you’re just in that awkward “bridge” phase between learning and doing.

Here’s what might help you move forward:

Right now, don’t stress about buying yet. Use this time to build skills that make you money or get you closer to deals. If you’re analytical and good with numbers, learn to analyze deals for other investors — people will actually pay (or mentor) you for that. If you’re social, start networking with agents, wholesalers, and property managers in your target market — not just to “build a team,” but to get reps at evaluating real deals and learning what sells or rents fast.

Since you’re still in school, a small next step could be something like house hacking with roommates when you graduate. Even if it’s just renting extra rooms, that’s real investing experience — financing, screening tenants, managing repairs — all on a small scale.

And yeah, the “numbers don’t pencil” frustration? Everyone hits that wall. It’s not that the deals don’t exist — it’s that the good ones rarely hit Zillow. You’ll find more success by connecting directly with agents who work with investors or joining local FB/Meetup groups where deals get shared before they’re public.

My advice: keep learning, but anchor it with one small real-world step — analyze one real deal a day, talk to one new investor a week, or manage one rental room when you can. Progress compounds faster than you think.

Hang in there — the consistency pays off long before the first property does; Alex I really hope this helps you a bit, I sent you DM on BP... it's one of the reasons I do this, I hope you can assist. Thank you in advance.