Brand New to Real Estate

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Brand New to Real Estate

Yossi DietzPro Member
Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 23 votes

Hi Everyone,

I am just dipping my toes into the real estate investing world. There seem to be so many different ways to invest and build wealth in Real Estate, and I joined Bigger Pockets to get advice. I'm looking to see how others got their start and what advice others have for someone just starting out. For context, I am a teacher and I love what I do. I'm not looking to quit my "regular" job, but I want to make money and build wealth as well. I have some money saved up and I'm looking for the best way to use it. Thank you!

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Melissa JusticeBusiness Member
Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2024 · 519 posts · 1k+ votes
1y

@Yossi Dietz,

Welcome! That’s an awesome mindset - teaching and investing pair really well since you’ve got stability and time to plan your next moves.

If I were in your shoes, I’d look into turnkey rentals in affordable, stable markets (like the Midwest or Southeast). They’re great for busy professionals since property management is included and cash flow tends to be stronger.

Start small, focus on learning the numbers, and build from there - consistency beats speed every time in real estate.

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

[email protected]313-221-8718
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  • Abel CurielBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Queens, NY · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Yossi Dietz:

    Hi Everyone,

    I am just dipping my toes into the real estate investing world. There seem to be so many different ways to invest and build wealth in Real Estate, and I joined Bigger Pockets to get advice. I'm looking to see how others got their start and what advice others have for someone just starting out. For context, I am a teacher and I love what I do. I'm not looking to quit my "regular" job, but I want to make money and build wealth as well. I have some money saved up and I'm looking for the best way to use it. Thank you!


    Hello Yossi and welcome to BiggerPockets!

    Agreed on the fact that there are many ways to invest.

    Many people choose to begin by househacking. They usually househack a 2-4 unit multifamily property but this investment strategy can also be executed using a single family property. A single-family with an ADU or a co-living/rent by the room setup can also work for househacking.

    New Investors are drawn to househacking because:

    1. They can get into their first deal with as little as 3.5% down (or less in some scenarios)
    2. They can gain valuable acquision, property management, and project management experience
    3. They can reduce (sometimes eliminate) their monthly living expenses

    Other new investors use the BRRRR strategy, invest out of state, or wholesale.

    All the best to you!

    Abel

    REbuild Team - eXp Realty5239 Reviews
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    2Reply
  • Kate Nixon Taylor
    Lender · Cary, NC · Member since 2021 · 122 posts · 29 votes
    1y

    Hi Yossi,

    House hacking is a great way in since you can typically save some money on living expenses and build equity with high leverage.

    I also have lenders that will provide high leverage for new investors on fix&flip or rehab to rent properties as long as your credit score is high enough. 

    Happy to connect and help with strategy!

    Cheers, Kate

    0Reply
  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 13k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    1y

    Tell us about your current living arrangement and family - it will impact viable options.

    Also, how much are you looking to invest?

    [email protected]248-209-6824
    Logical Property Management4.9469 Reviews
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    1Reply
  • Kerlous TadresBusiness Member
    Realtor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    I’d recommend starting with something low-stress but wealth-building, like house hacking or a small duplex. You can live in one unit and rent the other, which helps cover your mortgage and gets you learning by doing. If that doesn’t fit your lifestyle, another good route is buying a turnkey rental in a strong cash-flow market like parts of the Midwest. The returns might not make you rich overnight, but the combination of cash flow, appreciation, and loan paydown quietly builds wealth over time.

    [email protected]614-490-1163
    Kerlous Tadres | Reafco Real Estate542 Reviews
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    0Reply
  • Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Yossi Dietz:

    Hi Everyone,

    I am just dipping my toes into the real estate investing world. There seem to be so many different ways to invest and build wealth in Real Estate, and I joined Bigger Pockets to get advice. I'm looking to see how others got their start and what advice others have for someone just starting out. For context, I am a teacher and I love what I do. I'm not looking to quit my "regular" job, but I want to make money and build wealth as well. I have some money saved up and I'm looking for the best way to use it. Thank you!

    Hey Yossi, welcome to BP and congrats on taking the first step into real estate—it’s honestly one of the best ways to build long-term wealth while keeping your day job. A lot of people start by picking a solid cash-flowing market with strong fundamentals and buying their first rental, often something smaller like a single family home or duplex. When I first started, I moved from Portland to Columbus, Ohio and built my portfolio here because the numbers just made sense. Columbus is one of the few markets where you can still find properties in the $120K–180K range that hit the 1% rule and cash flow from day one, and it’s backed by really strong job and population growth with major companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, Honda, and more investing here. You don’t have to go big or quit your job to build wealth—starting with one good deal in a market like this can set you on the right path. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

    [email protected]614-300-7535
    Jimmy Lieu, Red 1 Realty4.9122 Reviews
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    0Reply
  • Min ZhangBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    That’s awesome you’re getting started, Yossi! Real estate is one of those things that can really build long-term wealth, even if you keep your day job. I started with the same mindset: keep my main career steady but let my money start working for me through real estate.

    If you haven’t already, check out a few beginner friendly strategies like house hacking or a turnkey rental just to get your feet wet and see what type of investing fits you best. It’s also helpful to figure out what matters most to you right now like cash flow, appreciation, or flexibility.

    How hands on are you hoping to be with your first investment? Happy to keep the conversation going!

    [email protected]614-412-2912
    Reafco.512 Reviews
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    0Reply
  • Remington LymanBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Yossi Dietz:

    Hi Everyone,

    I am just dipping my toes into the real estate investing world. There seem to be so many different ways to invest and build wealth in Real Estate, and I joined Bigger Pockets to get advice. I'm looking to see how others got their start and what advice others have for someone just starting out. For context, I am a teacher and I love what I do. I'm not looking to quit my "regular" job, but I want to make money and build wealth as well. I have some money saved up and I'm looking for the best way to use it. Thank you!


     Welcome to BP!

    [email protected]614-541-8475Podcast Guest on Show My Job Laid Me Off, So I Replaced My Salary with Rentals
    Reafco512 Reviews
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    0Reply
  • Melissa JusticeBusiness Member
    Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2024 · 519 posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    @Yossi Dietz,

    Welcome! That’s an awesome mindset - teaching and investing pair really well since you’ve got stability and time to plan your next moves.

    If I were in your shoes, I’d look into turnkey rentals in affordable, stable markets (like the Midwest or Southeast). They’re great for busy professionals since property management is included and cash flow tends to be stronger.

    Start small, focus on learning the numbers, and build from there - consistency beats speed every time in real estate.

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

    [email protected]313-221-8718
    3Reply
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