If You’re Starting Your Real Estate Journey in December, Do THIS Before January Hits

[William Thompson]

We’re in the last month of the year, and a lot of new investors are setting goals for 2026.
But before you jump into deal hunting, there’s one move I always recommend to beginners right now:

Use December to get your foundation in place.

Most new investors wait until they find a property to get organized — and that’s why they end up overwhelmed later.
December is actually the perfect time to slow down and set yourself up the right way.

Here are three small things you can do this month that will make your entire first year easier:

1. Open a separate bank account for your future investments.
Even if you don’t have a property yet, this keeps your savings clean and helps you build good habits early.

2. Start tracking your finances like a business.
A simple spreadsheet works.
Understanding your own cash flow now makes analyzing deals in 2026 way less intimidating.

3. Pick ONE strategy to commit to for Q1.
House hack, BRRRR, long-term rentals, STR — it doesn't matter which one, as long as you focus.
The biggest mistake beginners make is trying to learn everything at once.

You don’t need to close a deal before the year ends to “start.”
Your real start is building the systems that will support your first deal — and the ones after that.

Finish this year organized, not rushed.
You’ll thank yourself in a few months.

For those just getting started:
What’s one thing you want to set up before 2026 begins?