How “prepared” can you really be before investing?

[Ivan Maldonado]

I’m gearing up to buy my first property in April/May-ish. I’ve read constantly for nearly a year, listened to podcasts and cruised forums to use this brain as a sponge as I got my stuff together, in what’s about to be my first real estate rental property purchase.

But how prepared can you really be outside of experience? I’m constantly feeling like “I’m just another talker” If I’m not drowning my mind with real estate. Can anyone relate to this, or have any advice as to preparing when you’re about to pull the trigger on that first real estate move?

Appreciate all and any feedback!

[Paul Wachtler]

@Ivan Maldonado while there's nothing like actual experience you still want to make sure it's a good deal.  Define what a good deal is to you and find something that matches that.  While it's important to get the first one under your belt, if you have negative cash flow or don't set aside enough for a big repair it could turn into a bad experience.  Do your analysis (which it sounds like you've been doing), leverage the experience of others where you need it, and get a deal to get rolling with your investment business.