New to real estate- Looking to learn

Member since 2026 · 11 posts · 4 votes

Hi, My name is Hardik Mistry, and I’m new to real estate development and investing. I’m currently in the learning phase and trying to build a strong foundation before taking my first steps.

I wanted to ask for your advice on the best approach to learning. In your experience, is it more beneficial to purchase a structured course to understand the process in depth, or is it better to learn organically through networking, reading, and hands-on experience?

I’d really appreciate any insights or recommendations on what helped you the most when you were starting out. Looking forward to learning from this community.

Thank you,

Hardik

1 Reply

174 views

Most Popular Reply

Shiloh LundahlPro Member

Rental Property Investor · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes

8mo

I would tell you that the best way to learn depends on the individual. For example, my wife could get a book, read it, and then do it. She taught herself web design and had a web design company for awhile. For me, hands on learning with someone by my side showing me step by step how to do someyhing is my preferred method.

Knowing yourself, what would you say is your preferred method of learning?

480-206-1209 Podcast Guest on Show #287

1 Reply

See this reply in the discussion

14 Replies

Jump to latestLatest

Sort by

Shiloh LundahlPro Member
Rental Property Investor · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
8mo
I would tell you that the best way to learn depends on the individual. For example, my wife could get a book, read it, and then do it. She taught herself web design and had a web design company for awhile. For me, hands on learning with someone by my side showing me step by step how to do someyhing is my preferred method.

Knowing yourself, what would you say is your preferred method of learning?
480-206-1209 Podcast Guest on Show #287
1 Reply
- Hardik Mistry
  OP
  Member since 2026 · 11 posts · 4 votes
  8mo
  Quote from @Shiloh Lundahl:
  
  I would tell you that the best way to learn depends on the individual. For example, my wife could get a book, read it, and then do it. She taught herself web design and had a web design company for awhile. For me, hands on learning with someone by my side showing me step by step how to do someyhing is my preferred method.
  
  Knowing yourself, what would you say is your preferred method of learning?
  
  I completely agree with you.I’m more of a hands-on learner too. I understand things much better when I can work alongside someone and see the process step by step rather than just reading about it. Do you think mentorship courses are generally genuine and trustworthy, or do you feel it’s better to learn through direct experience and networking? Yesterday i had a call with one of the mentorship compny and they were charging 15k.
  0 Reply
- Shiloh LundahlPro Member
  Rental Property Investor · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
  8mo
  @Hardik Mistry mentors don't cost money. Coaching costs money. There is a difference between them. A mentor is someone you look up to and admire. Someone you learn from through proximity. There is no expectation that the mentor provide more than their example and relationship. A mentor cannot be hired or fired. Sometime mentors are not even aware that they are a mentor to you. Coaches are different. There are expectations of proformance on both sides. A coach gets paid for the work they do. A coach han be hired and fired. A coach had specific things that they are supposed to teach you and walk you through.
  
  If there is a cost to the program you mentioned, then it is coaching even if they call it a mentorship; unless they want you to pay them and there are no expectations on either side.
  
  What did they promise you for their coaching. Or what does their coaching comprise of?
  480-206-1209 Podcast Guest on Show #287
  0 Reply
- Hardik Mistry
  OP
  Member since 2026 · 11 posts · 4 votes
  8mo
  Quote from @Shiloh Lundahl:
  
  @Hardik Mistry mentors don't cost money. Coaching costs money. There is a difference between them. A mentor is someone you look up to and admire. Someone you learn from through proximity. There is no expectation that the mentor provide more than their example and relationship. A mentor cannot be hired or fired. Sometime mentors are not even aware that they are a mentor to you. Coaches are different. There are expectations of proformance on both sides. A coach gets paid for the work they do. A coach han be hired and fired. A coach had specific things that they are supposed to teach you and walk you through.
  
  If there is a cost to the program you mentioned, then it is coaching even if they call it a mentorship; unless they want you to pay them and there are no expectations on either side.
  
  What did they promise you for their coaching. Or what does their coaching comprise of?
  Hi Shiloh Lundahl,
  That makes a lot of sense, and I appreciate the clarity you shared between mentorship and coaching. I agree with your definition. In this case, it is definitely a coaching program. They are asking $15k and offering structured training, 12 one-on-one calls with a coach, access to their resources and contacts, and lifetime membership in their community.
  
  I'm still evaluating whether that structure and support would match my learning style and help me move forward effectively, or if gaining experience through networking, REIA, and hands-on projects might be a better first step for me.
  
  Hardik Mistry!
  0 Reply
- Shiloh LundahlPro Member
  Rental Property Investor · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
  8mo
  @Hardik Mistry if you’re considering coaching, I would take a look at three or four different coaches before making a decision. That way you can compare and find one that can coach you in the specific type of real estate that you’re interested in. There are a lot of coaches out there. They’re really good at one particular aspect and may not be as good as other aspects. Find the one that’s really good at the thing that you are interested in the most.
  480-206-1209 Podcast Guest on Show #287
  0 Reply
- Hardik Mistry
  OP
  Member since 2026 · 11 posts · 4 votes
  8mo
  Quote from @Shiloh Lundahl:
  
  @Hardik Mistry if you’re considering coaching, I would take a look at three or four different coaches before making a decision. That way you can compare and find one that can coach you in the specific type of real estate that you’re interested in. There are a lot of coaches out there. They’re really good at one particular aspect and may not be as good as other aspects. Find the one that’s really good at the thing that you are interested in the most.
  
  @Shiloh Lundahl, Absolutely, that makes sense. I’ll research a few different coaches to compare their expertise and find one that aligns with the type of real estate I want to focus on. Thank you so much for the guidance!
  0 Reply
Mohammed Rahman
Real Estate Broker · New York, NY · Member since 2020 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
8mo
Hi Hardik,
Everyone learns a bit differently, but in my experience there’s really no substitute for real-world exposure. That said, it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. A structured course can be useful for understanding the big picture and terminology, while networking and hands-on experience are what really make things click. Using both together usually accelerates the learning curve.

One important thing early on is to put yourself out there and stay curious. Try to learn a little about every part of real estate (construction, property management, financing, underwriting, zoning, etc.). Even if you don’t plan to specialize in all of it, having a baseline understanding will make you a much stronger investor or developer long-term.
All the best!
0 Reply
Bryant Brislin
Title Representative · Irvine, CA · Member since 2017 · 874 posts · 519 votes
8mo
@Hardik Mistry structured courses can be good if you truly think you are going to use them to their full extent. It's like getting a membership to an expensive gym that has tons of equipment, amenities, classes, etc. I'm land broker in Southern California, I focus on selling land to residential developers/builders. Happy to answer some questions.
0 Reply
Mackaylee BeachPro Member
Real Estate Agent · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 492 votes
8mo
Structured courses can offer a comprehensive framework and ensure you cover all essential topics, while networking and hands-on experience allow you to apply what you've learned and gain insights from real-world scenarios.

Additionally, don't hesitate to reach out to mentors within the community who can offer guidance based on their personal journeys in real estate. Engaging in forums, attending workshops, and participating in local real estate meetups can also be incredibly valuable. Remember, the key is to stay curious and open-minded, and always be willing to adapt and learn from every opportunity.
[email protected]
1 Reply
Hardik Mistry
OP
Member since 2026 · 11 posts · 4 votes
8mo
Thank you all for sharing your insights and experiences. I really value the balance you all mentioned between structured learning and real-world experience. Your input gives me more clarity and confidence as I move forward.
0 Reply
Drew SygitBusiness Member
Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
8mo
Quote from @Hardik Mistry:

Hi, My name is Hardik Mistry, and I’m new to real estate development and investing. I’m currently in the learning phase and trying to build a strong foundation before taking my first steps.

I wanted to ask for your advice on the best approach to learning. In your experience, is it more beneficial to purchase a structured course to understand the process in depth, or is it better to learn organically through networking, reading, and hands-on experience?

I’d really appreciate any insights or recommendations on what helped you the most when you were starting out. Looking forward to learning from this community.

Thank you,

Hardik

Have actually taught classes with field trips...and over 80% of attendees never invested😞
So, recommend jumping in and learning!
[email protected]248-209-6824
Logical Property Management4.9459 Reviews
Website View Page
1 Reply
Kenneth GarrettPro Member
Investor · Florida Panhandle/Illinois · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
8mo
@Hardik Mistry
The best thing I did when I started was join a local REIA in my area. They offered many property tours of flip and rental properties and went over the numbers each time. The numbers included:
Purchase Price
Rehab amount
How it was financed
The financing cost and holding cost
Closing cost
Profit or cash flow
Most importantly what went right and what went wrong. We all can handle the big wins, but what makes you a good investor is tackling problems and the method you used to resolve them versus burying your head in the sand and quitting. Quitting is not an option in my mind. Success is the only option even if it hurts.
0 Reply
- Hardik Mistry
  OP
  Member since 2026 · 11 posts · 4 votes
  8mo
  Quote from @Kenneth Garrett:
  
  @Hardik Mistry
  The best thing I did when I started was join a local REIA in my area. They offered many property tours of flip and rental properties and went over the numbers each time. The numbers included:
  Purchase Price
  Rehab amount
  How it was financed
  The financing cost and holding cost
  Closing cost
  Profit or cash flow
  Most importantly what went right and what went wrong. We all can handle the big wins, but what makes you a good investor is tackling problems and the method you used to resolve them versus burying your head in the sand and quitting. Quitting is not an option in my mind. Success is the only option even if it hurts.
  
  Hi Kenneth Garrett,
  That’s really inspiring, and I completely agree with your mindset. Learning from real deals, real numbers, and real mistakes is invaluable. I especially like how you emphasized understanding what went wrong, not just celebrating the wins. That’s where the real growth happens. Thank you for sharing this perspective—it motivates me to stay committed and keep pushing forward no matter the challenges.
  
  Hardik Mistry
  0 Reply
Bo SmithPro Member
Hinton, WV · Member since 2026 · 1k+ posts · 373 votes
8mo
Quote from @Hardik Mistry:

Hi, My name is Hardik Mistry, and I’m new to real estate development and investing. I’m currently in the learning phase and trying to build a strong foundation before taking my first steps.

I wanted to ask for your advice on the best approach to learning. In your experience, is it more beneficial to purchase a structured course to understand the process in depth, or is it better to learn organically through networking, reading, and hands-on experience?

I’d really appreciate any insights or recommendations on what helped you the most when you were starting out. Looking forward to learning from this community.

Thank you,

Hardik

The follow-up piece is where most people drop the ball. One trick that changed everything for me: automate your first 3 touches but make touch 4+ personal. Like automated text day 1, email day 3, voicemail day 5, then personal call day 7 referencing something specific from their property or situation. Keeps you consistent but still builds real rapport. How are you planning to structure your follow-up sequence?
0 Reply

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.