Newbie looking for tips!

[Rachel Gutierrez]

Hello, my name is Rachel.  I am a nurse practitioner by trade, absolutely love my job, but it is demanding and I would love to scale back and be able to spend more time at home! I've always had an interest in real estate and am just now getting to it! Any tips or advice on how or where to begin would be appreciated! 

[Melissa Justice]

@Rachel Gutierrez,

Welcome, Rachel! It’s great that you’re thinking about real estate as a way to gain more time and flexibility - that’s exactly what draws so many people to investing. A few tips for getting started:

Start with turnkey long-term rentals (LTRs):
These properties are often already leased and cash-flowing, so you can generate income immediately.
They require less hands-on management than flipping or short-term rentals, which is perfect if your schedule is busy.
They’re a great way to learn the ropes without being overwhelmed.

Focus on markets with strong cash flow:
Out-of-state markets in the Midwest and Southeast tend to have lower purchase prices and higher rental yields compared to high-cost areas.
This allows you to scale faster while keeping your risk manageable.

Build a team early:
Partner with a property manager, property source provider, and maybe a contractor for ongoing maintenance.
Even if you’re investing remotely, a solid team makes everything easier and protects your time.

Learn and grow gradually:
Start with one property to get hands-on experience.
Once comfortable, you can scale, consider small multi families, or explore STRs if that interests you later.

Investing doesn’t have to be overwhelming - start small, use turnkey options to simplify cash flow, and build confidence along the way.

Always happy to chat more about what's worked for other investors. Best of luck!