Though there are many ways for investors to get started, the approach described below will work. It is a strategy described by William Nickerson in his best selling book "How I Turned $1,000 into Three Million in Real Estate in My Spare Time". If followed precisely, you will succeed in building a real estate portfolio worth over a million dollars if you follow this strategy.

Step 1: Increase Your Earning Power. Obtain a college degree, advanced degree or certification course.

Step 2: Save. Save 20% or more of all that you earn. Over time these savings will grow quickly. Read the "Richest Man in Babylon" by George S. Clason if you need encouragement.

Step 3: Learn About Real Estate. Read every book you can find on real estate investing, join an investor group, or take some courses and obtain a real estate agent or brokers