Posted 6 months ago

Thinking About Real Estate Investing? Read This Before You Start.

Thinking About Real Estate Investing? Read This Before You Start

You don’t need to be rich, fearless, or lucky to become a real estate investor.

But if you're new to the game — maybe listening to podcasts, watching flips on YouTube, or driving around town wondering how people really get started — you probably feel two things at once:

Excited and overwhelmed.

I’ve been in this business for over 40 years, and I still remember what it was like to be new. So let’s cut through the noise and get to what really matters when you’re starting out.

What Real Estate Investing Is (and Isn’t)

Real estate investing is the process of using property to build long-term wealth. That can include:

Buying a rental property for monthly cash flow
Flipping a house after renovation
House hacking to reduce your living expenses
Holding a property as it appreciates

But here’s what it isn’t: a guaranteed path to fast riches.

This industry requires time, effort, and clear thinking. You’re building a business — not winning the lottery.

Why Do You Want to Be an Investor?

This isn’t a throwaway question.

Some people want to leave a job. Others want to build a side income, or they’re looking ahead to retirement. Your reason matters — because there will be times when you’re frustrated, and your "why" will keep you going.

Don’t Buy Anything Yet. Learn First.

It’s tempting to jump into a deal — especially if you see one that looks like a bargain. But rushing into a property without the numbers to back it up is a fast way to lose money.

Start by:

Learning how to run the numbers: cash flow, expenses, ARV, ROI.
Understanding your local market: what do homes rent for? Where’s the demand?
Following deals online: use the BiggerPockets Deal Analyzer or browse listings to practice.

No one regrets taking extra time to learn before buying. A lot of people regret the opposite.

Start Small — and Expect to Mess Up

Your first deal won’t be perfect. That’s okay. The goal isn’t to hit a home run — it’s to get in the game without striking out completely.

Maybe it’s a cosmetic fixer. Maybe it’s a small rental in a neighborhood you already know. Just keep the stakes low enough that mistakes are survivable.

Real Estate Is a Relationship Business

Don’t try to go it alone.

Start building your network early:

Agents who work with investors
Contractors you can trust
Lenders who understand investment financing
Mentors and experienced investors willing to answer questions

Places like this site — BiggerPockets — are great for connecting. Ask questions. Read others’ experiences. Contribute when you can.

Final Thought

Real estate investing rewards consistency, education, and patience.

You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need to keep learning, stay curious, and move forward one step at a time.

And when you’re ready — that first deal won’t seem so scary anymore.