Aspiring Real Estate Investor for Rental Properties

Raleigh, North Carolina
General Landlording & Rental Properties
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Aspiring Real Estate Investor for Rental Properties

Warren Beatty
Member since 2025 · 5 posts · 3 votes

I am a aspiring real estate investor living in Raleigh, NC. I was able to to save a decent amount of capital and I really want to tap into the housing market as an investor. I am looking for properties that I can rent in NC or VA and I am hoping to gain some insight in this forum on where I should start. I watch videos all the time so I have some ideas but I was hoping this forum can give me even more information that can help me make an even more confident decision.

So where should I start? Is single family or multifamily the way to go? What is the best way to find properties at a decent amount even if it needs some rehab work? (I kind of prefer a property that needs some work but its ok to find something that doesn't) 

Any information would definitely help me on my journey. And if you are living in VA or NC and are already doing real estate, I would also be interested in possibly investing in your portfolio.

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Andrew Chase
Member since 2025 · 13 posts · 8 votes
1y

I am no expert, but I do own a SFH in Richmond. You are in a good part of the country to invest.

What should you do?  That depends on your goals, capabilities, risk tolerance and opportunities.  

Want high quality tenants, relatively easy management and long-term appreciation? Buy SFH.

Want cashflow, and you're okay with low quality tenants and difficult management? Invest in class C small multi-family.  

In the research triangle you could use a student housing focused approach.  I knew an investor who did very well doing that, and the rent was always paid on time by the parents, but the constant turnover and damage from college kids was time consuming and expensive.

Like all investment, the riskier or more volatile or high effort the investment, the higher the return.  You could buy a McDonald's building on a 30-year lease where McDonald's handles all maintenance, taxes and insurance (triple net) and get a very slow and steady return.  On the other hand, you could rent a low-end Air BnB with huge profit potential, huge loss potential and requires tons of hands-on effort.

You need to figure out where in that spectrum you want to be.


There is a lot of great information on the internet, and obviously there's a lot of junk.  The problem with learning about any type of business/investing on Youtube, books, etc. is that many of them don't know what they're talking about and are not real estate investors, they're online course peddlers.  


    I am not trying to discourage you from learning and reading!  Just be careful who you learn from.  Many online personalities recommend very risky strategies.  If they want to push you straight into a 3 to 5 figure course, run away.


    Personally, I've had far more success with books than YouTube for this subject matter.  Books have the same problem, but it's not as bad.  If you go read or listen to a dozen real estate books, you'll see the overlapping ideas and those are the key concepts.  

    If an author is putting in all this effort to write a book, they want to make money.  Are they really a successful real estate investor who is looking for another business to teach you about real estate?  Great!  Is it a 25-year-old on Youtube who talks about the value of his assets without talking about his equity?  Run.

Paying for knowledge is fine, but I wouldn't pay more than $30.  IMHO $15 for a book is a steal and I happily pay it, but I will never sign up for their $1,000 course...

Highly recommended books, in order of importance:

Real Estate Investing For Dummies

Property Management For Dummies

ABCs of Real Estate Investment

Building Wealth One House At A Time

The Small and Mighty Real Estate Investor

As far as real estate data, look at population trends and free real estate reports.  Copilot recommended the following:  

  1. HUD Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis (CHMA) Reports

  2. NC REALTORS® Monthly Market Reports

  3. NC Chamber Housing Supply Gap Report (2025)

  4. NC Commerce: Housing Cost Trends

  5. North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC)

🏠 Virginia Real Estate & Housing Reports

  1. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis – House Price Index (FHFA)

  2. Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service (UVA)

  3. Virginia Property Tax and Assessment Data

  4. GIS Property Maps by County

For most new real estate investors, house hacking is the best way to start.  Buy a 4plex, live in 1 unit, save more, repeat.  I'd look into that if I were you, and that is my personal strategy.  Finally, take this all with a grain of salt because I'm just some 29-year-old guy who reads books and has 1 rental house.

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  • Clayton Silva
    Lender · CA · Member since 2018 · 638 posts · 393 votes
    1y

    Might be worthwhile connecting with @Lindsey Severt, she runs some crazy deals near VA and WV

    0Reply
  • Andrew Chase
    Member since 2025 · 13 posts · 8 votes
    1y

    I am no expert, but I do own a SFH in Richmond. You are in a good part of the country to invest.

    What should you do?  That depends on your goals, capabilities, risk tolerance and opportunities.  

    Want high quality tenants, relatively easy management and long-term appreciation? Buy SFH.

    Want cashflow, and you're okay with low quality tenants and difficult management? Invest in class C small multi-family.  

    In the research triangle you could use a student housing focused approach.  I knew an investor who did very well doing that, and the rent was always paid on time by the parents, but the constant turnover and damage from college kids was time consuming and expensive.

    Like all investment, the riskier or more volatile or high effort the investment, the higher the return.  You could buy a McDonald's building on a 30-year lease where McDonald's handles all maintenance, taxes and insurance (triple net) and get a very slow and steady return.  On the other hand, you could rent a low-end Air BnB with huge profit potential, huge loss potential and requires tons of hands-on effort.

    You need to figure out where in that spectrum you want to be.


    There is a lot of great information on the internet, and obviously there's a lot of junk.  The problem with learning about any type of business/investing on Youtube, books, etc. is that many of them don't know what they're talking about and are not real estate investors, they're online course peddlers.  


        I am not trying to discourage you from learning and reading!  Just be careful who you learn from.  Many online personalities recommend very risky strategies.  If they want to push you straight into a 3 to 5 figure course, run away.


        Personally, I've had far more success with books than YouTube for this subject matter.  Books have the same problem, but it's not as bad.  If you go read or listen to a dozen real estate books, you'll see the overlapping ideas and those are the key concepts.  

        If an author is putting in all this effort to write a book, they want to make money.  Are they really a successful real estate investor who is looking for another business to teach you about real estate?  Great!  Is it a 25-year-old on Youtube who talks about the value of his assets without talking about his equity?  Run.

    Paying for knowledge is fine, but I wouldn't pay more than $30.  IMHO $15 for a book is a steal and I happily pay it, but I will never sign up for their $1,000 course...

    Highly recommended books, in order of importance:

    Real Estate Investing For Dummies

    Property Management For Dummies

    ABCs of Real Estate Investment

    Building Wealth One House At A Time

    The Small and Mighty Real Estate Investor

    As far as real estate data, look at population trends and free real estate reports.  Copilot recommended the following:  

    1. HUD Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis (CHMA) Reports

    2. NC REALTORS® Monthly Market Reports

    3. NC Chamber Housing Supply Gap Report (2025)

    4. NC Commerce: Housing Cost Trends

    5. North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC)

    🏠 Virginia Real Estate & Housing Reports

    1. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis – House Price Index (FHFA)

    2. Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service (UVA)

    3. Virginia Property Tax and Assessment Data

    4. GIS Property Maps by County

    For most new real estate investors, house hacking is the best way to start.  Buy a 4plex, live in 1 unit, save more, repeat.  I'd look into that if I were you, and that is my personal strategy.  Finally, take this all with a grain of salt because I'm just some 29-year-old guy who reads books and has 1 rental house.

    2Reply
    • Warren Beatty
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 5 posts · 3 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Andrew Chase:

      I am no expert, but I do own a SFH in Richmond. You are in a good part of the country to invest.

      What should you do?  That depends on your goals, capabilities, risk tolerance and opportunities.  

      Want high quality tenants, relatively easy management and long-term appreciation? Buy SFH.

      Want cashflow, and you're okay with low quality tenants and difficult management? Invest in class C small multi-family.  

      In the research triangle you could use a student housing focused approach.  I knew an investor who did very well doing that, and the rent was always paid on time by the parents, but the constant turnover and damage from college kids was time consuming and expensive.

      Like all investment, the riskier or more volatile or high effort the investment, the higher the return.  You could buy a McDonald's building on a 30-year lease where McDonald's handles all maintenance, taxes and insurance (triple net) and get a very slow and steady return.  On the other hand, you could rent a low-end Air BnB with huge profit potential, huge loss potential and requires tons of hands-on effort.

      You need to figure out where in that spectrum you want to be.


      There is a lot of great information on the internet, and obviously there's a lot of junk.  The problem with learning about any type of business/investing on Youtube, books, etc. is that many of them don't know what they're talking about and are not real estate investors, they're online course peddlers.  


          I am not trying to discourage you from learning and reading!  Just be careful who you learn from.  Many online personalities recommend very risky strategies.  If they want to push you straight into a 3 to 5 figure course, run away.


          Personally, I've had far more success with books than YouTube for this subject matter.  Books have the same problem, but it's not as bad.  If you go read or listen to a dozen real estate books, you'll see the overlapping ideas and those are the key concepts.  

          If an author is putting in all this effort to write a book, they want to make money.  Are they really a successful real estate investor who is looking for another business to teach you about real estate?  Great!  Is it a 25-year-old on Youtube who talks about the value of his assets without talking about his equity?  Run.

      Paying for knowledge is fine, but I wouldn't pay more than $30.  IMHO $15 for a book is a steal and I happily pay it, but I will never sign up for their $1,000 course...

      Highly recommended books, in order of importance:

      Real Estate Investing For Dummies

      Property Management For Dummies

      ABCs of Real Estate Investment

      Building Wealth One House At A Time

      The Small and Mighty Real Estate Investor

      As far as real estate data, look at population trends and free real estate reports.  Copilot recommended the following:  

      1. HUD Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis (CHMA) Reports

      2. NC REALTORS® Monthly Market Reports

      3. NC Chamber Housing Supply Gap Report (2025)

      4. NC Commerce: Housing Cost Trends

      5. North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC)

      🏠 Virginia Real Estate & Housing Reports

      1. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis – House Price Index (FHFA)

      2. Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service (UVA)

      3. Virginia Property Tax and Assessment Data

      4. GIS Property Maps by County

      For most new real estate investors, house hacking is the best way to start.  Buy a 4plex, live in 1 unit, save more, repeat.  I'd look into that if I were you, and that is my personal strategy.  Finally, take this all with a grain of salt because I'm just some 29-year-old guy who reads books and has 1 rental house.


      appreciate your reply. hopefully i can find a SFR for a decent price and start there

      0Reply
    • Alexis DeAngelisBusiness Member
      Property Manager · Raleigh, Raleigh-Durham area · Member since 2025 · 51 posts · 39 votes
      8mo
      Quote from @Andrew Chase:

      I am no expert, but I do own a SFH in Richmond. You are in a good part of the country to invest.

      What should you do?  That depends on your goals, capabilities, risk tolerance and opportunities.  

      Want high quality tenants, relatively easy management and long-term appreciation? Buy SFH.

      Want cashflow, and you're okay with low quality tenants and difficult management? Invest in class C small multi-family.  

      In the research triangle you could use a student housing focused approach.  I knew an investor who did very well doing that, and the rent was always paid on time by the parents, but the constant turnover and damage from college kids was time consuming and expensive.

      Like all investment, the riskier or more volatile or high effort the investment, the higher the return.  You could buy a McDonald's building on a 30-year lease where McDonald's handles all maintenance, taxes and insurance (triple net) and get a very slow and steady return.  On the other hand, you could rent a low-end Air BnB with huge profit potential, huge loss potential and requires tons of hands-on effort.

      You need to figure out where in that spectrum you want to be.


      There is a lot of great information on the internet, and obviously there's a lot of junk.  The problem with learning about any type of business/investing on Youtube, books, etc. is that many of them don't know what they're talking about and are not real estate investors, they're online course peddlers.  


          I am not trying to discourage you from learning and reading!  Just be careful who you learn from.  Many online personalities recommend very risky strategies.  If they want to push you straight into a 3 to 5 figure course, run away.


          Personally, I've had far more success with books than YouTube for this subject matter.  Books have the same problem, but it's not as bad.  If you go read or listen to a dozen real estate books, you'll see the overlapping ideas and those are the key concepts.  

          If an author is putting in all this effort to write a book, they want to make money.  Are they really a successful real estate investor who is looking for another business to teach you about real estate?  Great!  Is it a 25-year-old on Youtube who talks about the value of his assets without talking about his equity?  Run.

      Paying for knowledge is fine, but I wouldn't pay more than $30.  IMHO $15 for a book is a steal and I happily pay it, but I will never sign up for their $1,000 course...

      Highly recommended books, in order of importance:

      Real Estate Investing For Dummies

      Property Management For Dummies

      ABCs of Real Estate Investment

      Building Wealth One House At A Time

      The Small and Mighty Real Estate Investor

      As far as real estate data, look at population trends and free real estate reports.  Copilot recommended the following:  

      1. HUD Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis (CHMA) Reports

      2. NC REALTORS® Monthly Market Reports

      3. NC Chamber Housing Supply Gap Report (2025)

      4. NC Commerce: Housing Cost Trends

      5. North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC)

      🏠 Virginia Real Estate & Housing Reports

      1. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis – House Price Index (FHFA)

      2. Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service (UVA)

      3. Virginia Property Tax and Assessment Data

      4. GIS Property Maps by County

      For most new real estate investors, house hacking is the best way to start.  Buy a 4plex, live in 1 unit, save more, repeat.  I'd look into that if I were you, and that is my personal strategy.  Finally, take this all with a grain of salt because I'm just some 29-year-old guy who reads books and has 1 rental house.


       Thank you so much for sharing all this! We are purchasing our first home shortly and all of this information is extremely helpful! Have a great day and thank you again!

      [email protected]
      Atoriz
      WebsiteView Page
      0Reply
  • Sara TalamantesPro Member
    Raleigh, NC · Member since 2023 · 13 posts · 7 votes
    1y

    Moderators blocked my message but there is a networking event soon in Raleigh. Message me for details.

    0Reply
    • Rose An
      Member since 2025 · 1 post · 0 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Sara Talamantes:

      Moderators blocked my message but there is a networking event soon in Raleigh. Message me for details.


       Hi Sara, I am also a new investor looking to network. Can I msg you for details of the networking event?

      0Reply
  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    1y

    @Warren Beatty How much time do you have and how fast do you want to grow?

    SFR is easiest as only one tenant.

    2-4 unit is next on the list and as you will typically owner-occupy a unit, it's still relatively easy to manage. You can also increase cashflow via experimenting with MTR & STR in the other units - even in the other bedrooms in your unit.

    5+ MFR is where you need commercial loan and often you won't occupy, but will hire a PMC.

    Make sure you understand the challenges of each Property Class A-D. If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class C or D property - disaster!

    [email protected]248-209-6824
    Logical Property Management4.9460 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
    • Warren Beatty
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 5 posts · 3 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Drew Sygit:

      @Warren Beatty How much time do you have and how fast do you want to grow?

      SFR is easiest as only one tenant.

      2-4 unit is next on the list and as you will typically owner-occupy a unit, it's still relatively easy to manage. You can also increase cashflow via experimenting with MTR & STR in the other units - even in the other bedrooms in your unit.

      5+ MFR is where you need commercial loan and often you won't occupy, but will hire a PMC.

      Make sure you understand the challenges of each Property Class A-D. If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class C or D property - disaster!


       not a specific time frame.. i am just ready when the right opportunity comes

      0Reply
  • David PeschioBusiness Member
    Richmond, VA · Member since 2019 · 358 posts · 181 votes
    1y

    Been investing and working in the Richmond market for 30 years so reach out if you want to connect.

    [email protected]804-909-1929
    PMI Richmond4.4302 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
    • Warren Beatty
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 5 posts · 3 votes
      1y
      Quote from @David Peschio:

      Been investing and working in the Richmond market for 30 years so reach out if you want to connect.


       thank you for your reply. i will be reaching out to you

      1Reply
  • David PeschioBusiness Member
    Richmond, VA · Member since 2019 · 358 posts · 181 votes
    1y

    Sounds good - look forward to chatting with you.

    [email protected]804-909-1929
    PMI Richmond4.4302 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Sara TalamantesPro Member
    Raleigh, NC · Member since 2023 · 13 posts · 7 votes
    1y

    @Rose An I just sent you the details for the Raleigh networking event.  I am not a host or anything but will be attending. 

    0Reply
  • Benjamin Carver
    Real Estate Agent · Raleigh, NC · Member since 2019 · 312 posts · 289 votes
    11mo

    Awesome that you're looking to get started! Since you’re based in Raleigh, you’ve got a great launch pad. Usually best to start in your backyard. 

    The Triangle is one of the strongest appreciation markets in the Southeast, but cash flow here can be tight unless you get creative (house hack, short-term, or mid-term rentals). If you’re open to light/medium rehab, that can really help you force some equity — just make sure the numbers work after repairs and current interest rates. 

    Single-family/townhome is simpler to manage and easier to resell later. And townhomes in Raleigh are a real great way to get in lower price point, easy to rent, and they are often newer and get you into hotter markets for apprec.

    Happy to share some local insights and connect you with a few folks, feel free to PM!

    0Reply
  • Brandon DunnPro Member
    Property Manager · Raleigh NC · Member since 2023 · 5 posts · 3 votes
    11mo

    “The best time to buy real estate was twenty years ago. The second-best time is now.”

    @Warren Beatty The beauty of real estate is that there’s more than one right way to start. The key is to get started, and that looks different for everyone. My advice would be to find a local investor friendly agent and start making offers. Get used to running numbers and making offers that  make the deal work for you.





    919-578-0052
    0Reply
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