New to this, need help!

Providence, Rhode Island
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New to this, need help!

RebeccA CostaPro Member
Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 5 votes

Hi,
My name is Rebecca, and I'm new to this. I have no prior experience and I'm unsure where or how to begin. I live in MA, own a consulting company and have vacation property in Fort Myers, FL.  I'm wondering if I'm making a mistake by pursuing this, and I would greatly appreciate any feedback you could offer.
Thanks,

Rebecca

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Most Popular Reply

Drago Stanimirovic
New to Real Estate · Miami, FL · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 446 votes
1y

Hi Rebecca,

Welcome, and thank you for being open, that’s the best place to start. The fact that you already own property and run a consulting company gives you a stronger foundation than you might think. Many successful investors come from non-real estate backgrounds and use their existing skills to gain an edge.

The key is not whether you’re making a mistake by pursuing this, but whether you approach it with a clear strategy and willingness to learn. Real estate can offer financial freedom, but like any business, it demands focus, research, and smart decision-making. Since you already have a property in Fort Myers, you’re a step ahead, it gives you a market you can start analyzing with real data.

Feel free to reach out if you need any help!

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  • Nicholas L.Pro Member
    Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    1y

    @RebeccA Costa

    happy to help

    what are your questions

    1Reply
  • RebeccA CostaPro Member
    OP
    Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 5 votes
    1y

    Where do I even begin? 

    This website seems like a great resource..But, I am not sure where to start? 

    Should my first step be to create an LLC? Or try to secure funding, maybe look into grants from the SBA?

     At this point it is just an idea, I have purchased some books on this site to try to get started.

    0Reply
  • Stetson MillerBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Fort Myers, FL · Member since 2019 · 576 posts · 423 votes
    1y

    Hi @RebeccA Costa,

    Your first steps should certainly be to read some of the beginner BiggerPockets books, that's a great start! There's also a BiggerPockets podcast targeted towards beginners, which I would highly recommend as well. The next steps would be selecting a strategy you want to pursue that allows you to meet your goals, and from there, narrowing down the markets that you would like to target. Funding focus can come after these steps, as well as the LLC formation, as your strategy may dictate what exactly needs to be done in these regards.

    Hope this helps!

    [email protected]850-259-2910
    Stetson Miller Realtor545 Reviews
    View Page
    0Reply
  • RebeccA CostaPro Member
    OP
    Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 5 votes
    1y

    Thank you!!

    0Reply
  • RebeccA CostaPro Member
    OP
    Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 5 votes
    1y

    Great, thank you!!! My home is in North Fort Myers, Waterway Estates.. looking at a few properties there hopefully soon!!

    0Reply
  • Steven GlickBusiness Member
    Lender · Buffalo · Member since 2024 · 115 posts · 33 votes
    1y

    Hi Rebecca! You’re definitely not making a mistake, everyone starts somewhere. Owning property already gives you a head start. This is a great place to learn and get feedback, so you’re in the right spot. Happy to connect and help as you get started!

    [email protected]315-631-0678
    Ziffy Mortgage
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
    • RebeccA CostaPro Member
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 5 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Steven Glick:

      Hi Rebecca! You’re definitely not making a mistake, everyone starts somewhere. Owning property already gives you a head start. This is a great place to learn and get feedback, so you’re in the right spot. Happy to connect and help as you get started!


       Thank you!!

      0Reply
  • Sean GrahamBusiness Member
    Investor , CPA · Detroit, MI · Member since 2016 · 582 posts · 248 votes
    1y

    Welcome, Rebecca! Owning a vacation property in Fort Myers already puts you ahead of the game. You’re not making a mistake, just start by getting clear on your goals (cash flow, appreciation, lifestyle, etc.) and build from there.

    If STRs are on your radar, make sure to check local rules and the STR loophole. Happy to chat if you want to bounce around ideas.

    Maven Cost Segregation Tax Advisors555 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Drago Stanimirovic
    New to Real Estate · Miami, FL · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 446 votes
    1y

    Hi Rebecca,

    Welcome, and thank you for being open, that’s the best place to start. The fact that you already own property and run a consulting company gives you a stronger foundation than you might think. Many successful investors come from non-real estate backgrounds and use their existing skills to gain an edge.

    The key is not whether you’re making a mistake by pursuing this, but whether you approach it with a clear strategy and willingness to learn. Real estate can offer financial freedom, but like any business, it demands focus, research, and smart decision-making. Since you already have a property in Fort Myers, you’re a step ahead, it gives you a market you can start analyzing with real data.

    Feel free to reach out if you need any help!

    1Reply
  • RebeccA CostaPro Member
    OP
    Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 5 votes
    1y

    Thank you!!!

    0Reply
  • Jeffrey Blais
    Lender · Fall River, MA · Member since 2024 · 23 posts · 2 votes
    1y

    Welcome to Bigger Pockets Rebecca!  Let's connect!

    0Reply
  • Terrance HillPro Member
    Realtor · Memphis, TN · Member since 2010 · 425 posts · 117 votes
    1y

    Welcome, Rebecca! You’re definitely not making a mistake by exploring real estate — just the fact that you’re here and asking questions already puts you on the right path.

    Owning a vacation property in Fort Myers is actually more experience than you might think — you’ve already dealt with ownership, management, and all the little realities that come with property. That gives you a head start compared to most beginners.

    The best advice I’d share from my early days is to start with clarity: what do you want real estate to do for you? Cash flow, retirement income, wealth building, or something else? Once that’s clear, the path forward (rentals, short-term rentals, flips, etc.) becomes a lot easier to sort through.

    Are you leaning more toward investing near home in MA, or building on what you already have down in Florida?

    0Reply
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