Will Work for Free :) Newbie Looking for Knowledge

Question

Hi there! I'm a freelance writer/annotator planning for a real estate glow up in the near future :) I'd be grateful to do some work for an investor in my area (Los Angeles South Bay) - or out of my area remotely - in exchange for some first-hand experience and expertise. I'm also looking forward to meeting and hearing the stories of others starting out in their journey!

I don't have any money other than a good chunk of equity on my personal home but I have a good friend with money who doesn't want to do any work so we're perfect for each other. I just need to do my part now and learn.

Thanks for reading!

-Tina

Nicholas L. · Answer

@Tina Page

hello. a few miscellaneous thoughts.

-if you're not already, i'd network with local investors.  go to meetups.  build relationships.  or even form your own group of new local investors.

-i wouldn't partner with your friend.  new investors always seem to want to partner for reasons like you described - someone has money and someone else doesn't.  but i don't think this is a strong enough basis for a partnership.  at a minimum i'd get a few deals done yourself before you partner up.

-be extremely cautious about investing remotely.  i get it, the LA area is spectacularly expensive.  but, so many CA investors rush into an out of state deal solely on the basis of a lower purchase price and made up spreadsheet numbers and then immediately lose money and regret everything.  this will not advance you.  just browse the forums and you'll see.

hope this helps

happy to dialogue further

Sean Graham · Answer

Welcome the BP community, @Tina Page!!

Drago Stanimirovic · Answer

Tina, your approach is spot on, offering value in exchange for experience is one of the best ways to break in. With your writing and annotating skills, you could help investors with tasks like listing descriptions, marketing materials, or even lead follow-up scripts. That opens doors and builds trust quickly.

The equity in your home and a money partner is a powerful combo once you're ready to move. In the meantime, stay close to local meetups or forums and keep learning through hands-on exposure wherever you can get it.

You're setting yourself up well.

Kerlous Tadres · Answer

Hey Tina, I’d suggest starting small with something like a duplex or a single-family rental. This lets you learn the ropes without getting overwhelmed. Focus on cash flow first, because that’s where long-term wealth comes from. Since you’re new, I’d recommend working on your property management skills early, things like screening tenants, understanding maintenance costs, and knowing what to expect in terms of vacancy rates. Also, learning to analyze deals is key, so you know if the property is actually going to bring in the returns you expect.Lastly, I’d really recommend networking. The real estate community is full of experienced investors who are more than willing to share insights. The more you learn, the better your decisions will be.

Nicholas L. · Answer

@Tina Page

Some quick responses.

What do you consider a good basis for a partnership?

-Everyone having experience, AND bringing something to the table.  "Capital gains from stocks" - do they have to sell to get the capital?  If so, that makes zero sense right now - they'd have to beat the tax bite with a high return.

I'd love to do my own deals in general, but I don't have any money.

-I'd spend the next few years saving up then.  It's going to take some capital.

What is it about out-of-state investing that makes CA investors lose money?

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1242392-rough...

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1137397-balti...

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/432/topics/1231840-sell...

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/311/topics/840134-memph...

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/963/topics/1195280-expe...

Are there a lot more failures shared in the forums than in the podcasts?

-Correct - they don't interview the failures on the podcasts.

Tina Page · Answer

Hi Nicholas!

Thank you for your thoughtful reply!

What do you consider a good basis for a partnership? My friend is an investor, and the money she has available is capital gains from the stock market. She's always wanted to invest in real estate and we happened to be talking the other day about how I have been spending all my free time these last few months learning about investing in real estate. I'd love to do my own deals in general, but I don't have any money.

As far as looking outside CA goes, I have been looking at properties in the state and there are few places that seem to be cash-flow positive due to the high purchase prices. My short-term goal is definitely cash flow. It seems incredible to me that there are normal homes selling around the country for less than $300,000.

What is it about out-of-state investing that makes CA investors lose money?

So I will admit that I spend a lot more time listening to the BP and Real Estate Rookie podcasts than I do browsing the forums. Perhaps my view of the probability of success is skewed? Are there a lot more failures shared in the forums than in the podcasts? Because it seems like a lot of people in the podcast are successfully investing out of state.

Again, thank you for your reply! I so appreciate your time :)

Tina

Will Work for Free :) Newbie Looking for Knowledge

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