Real state investment mentor/coach
New to Real Estate · Orlando, FL · Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 7 votes
Real state investment mentor/coach
Most Popular Reply
Nicholas L.Pro Member
Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ voteshello. first things first - i have nothing to sell, and i am not an agent or a lender or an anything. i am also not on the forums to cheerlead. i am not in the "go for it no matter what" camp. i think that makes zero sense. buying a property is a huge deal. not everyone should.
i don't know if you need a mentor. mostly what one needs to get started in investing is: money. if you don't have enough money for a down payment, reserves, etc. then there's no secret formula or mentor that can help you. you just need to save up more.
there's also no 'cash flow' right now in the first few years. none, zero, nada. to go back to my first point - anyone who pitches "cash flow" is trying to sell you something. it takes years just to pay yourself back for your closing costs. run the math on a purchase and you'll see.
with all that out of the way - folks on here are very happy to help with specific questions. including me. i'll answer any question you have.
26 Replies
- 10moRod HanksBusiness MemberInsurance Agent · Dallas, TX · Member since 2013 · 743 posts · 462 votes
Hello, I would suggest attend local meetup groups in your area and connect with investors that are already doing it. Most successful investors are happy to share mentor and refer you to trusted contacts that will help you in your journey.
Rod Hanks Insurance4.9152 Reviews- New to Real Estate · Orlando, FL · Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 7 votes10moThanks for your response! I actually tried attending a few local meetups, but I struggled to find anyone who was open to mentoring or maybe I just didn’t know how to approach the conversation the right way. Do you have any tips on how to ask someone at a meetup for mentorship or guidance without making it awkward? Also, how do you usually identify whether someone is both successful and genuinely interested in mentoring others?
Quote from @Rod Hanks:
Hello, I would suggest attend local meetup groups in your area and connect with investors that are already doing it. Most successful investors are happy to share mentor and refer you to trusted contacts that will help you in your journey.
- 10moShiloh LundahlPro MemberRental Property Investor · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
Hey@Marie Alaghband which area are you looking to invest in? And also you say you never pot in the US, have you gotten other countries before? And how do you plan on holding the properties in the US? In your name or in an LLC
- New to Real Estate · Orlando, FL · Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 7 votes10mo
Quote from @Shiloh Lundahl:
Hey@Marie Alaghband which area are you looking to invest in? And also you say you never pot in the US, have you gotten other countries before? And how do you plan on holding the properties in the US? In your name or in an LLC
I currently live in Central Florida, but one complexity is that I might be relocating to another state under a year from now and I'm not yet sure where that will be. That said I don’t want to wait a year or more to find out my final destination before getting started; I’d really like to begin investing as soon as possible. I’ve purchased a property before but, the U.S. market is definately different.
As for holding the properties, I'm open to either option, but based on what I've read so far, I'm leaning toward using an LLC for liability protection and structure.
- 10moShiloh LundahlPro MemberRental Property Investor · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
Quote from @Marie Alaghband:
Quote from @Shiloh Lundahl:
Hey@Marie Alaghband which area are you looking to invest in? And also you say you never pot in the US, have you gotten other countries before? And how do you plan on holding the properties in the US? In your name or in an LLC
I currently live in Central Florida, but one complexity is that I might be relocating to another state under a year from now and I'm not yet sure where that will be. That said I don’t want to wait a year or more to find out my final destination before getting started; I’d really like to begin investing as soon as possible. I’ve purchased a property before but, the U.S. market is definately different.
As for holding the properties, I'm open to either option, but based on what I've read so far, I'm leaning toward using an LLC for liability protection and structure.
Hey Marie, I may be able to help you. I sent you a DM. Let me know if I can help.
- 10moStuart UdisPro MemberAttorney · Philadelphia · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
Based on your acquisition priorities it appears a lot of the content you've absorbed mirrors guru talk. Focusing on cash flow and tax advantages cause investors to lose sight of the fundamentals that are most indicative of long term sustained performance. Excel spread sheet cash flow or tax write-offs may disguise weak fundamentals, future capital needs, or limited appreciation, leading to underwhelming long-term results.
- New to Real Estate · Orlando, FL · Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 7 votes10moGood point Stuart. That’s exactly why I’ve been feeling so confused the more I read and learn about this. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers or “guru talk”. That’s also why I feel I could really benefit from having an experienced mentor or coach to help me navigate this properly.
Quote from @Stuart Udis:
Based on your acquisition priorities it appears a lot of the content you've absorbed mirrors guru talk. Focusing on cash flow and tax advantages cause investors to lose sight of the fundamentals that are most indicative of long term sustained performance. Excel spread sheet cash flow or tax write-offs may disguise weak fundamentals, future capital needs, or limited appreciation, leading to underwhelming long-term results.
- 10moJaycee GreenePro MemberReal Estate Consultant · St. Louis MSA · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 726 votes
Quote from @Marie Alaghband:
Good point Stuart. That’s exactly why I’ve been feeling so confused the more I read and learn about this. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers or “guru talk”. That’s also why I feel I could really benefit from having an experienced mentor or coach to help me navigate this properly.Quote from @Stuart Udis:
Based on your acquisition priorities it appears a lot of the content you've absorbed mirrors guru talk. Focusing on cash flow and tax advantages cause investors to lose sight of the fundamentals that are most indicative of long term sustained performance. Excel spread sheet cash flow or tax write-offs may disguise weak fundamentals, future capital needs, or limited appreciation, leading to underwhelming long-term results.
Hi @Marie Alaghband, welcome to the BP Forum! What type of properties most interests you, SFR, 2-4 MF, or 5+ MF? What is your price range/down payment amount? Are you looking for turn-key properties or something along the lines of a "fixer upper"? Are you looking for properties in your local market or somewhere else?
- New to Real Estate · Orlando, FL · Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 7 votes10mo
Hi Jaycee, Thanks for the welcome!
I am thinking to start with a 2–4 unit multifamily property would be a great fit for me, ideally something where I could live in one of the units for a year and rent out the others. But this won't have much of tax benefit, right?I’m mostly looking for turnkey properties, but I’m also open to light rehab work (things like updating flooring, paint, or fixtures) just nothing major (like roof or foundation issues).
As for price range, I’m still exploring and staying flexible depending on the deal and location, but I’m focused on properties that make financial sense and allow for manageable financing and cash flow.
I’d prefer to start locally since being nearby would make management easier, but my situation may change in the next year or so, so I’m a bit hesitant to commit fully to one market. My local area is also pretty competitive, which makes finding even small cash-flowing deals a bit challenging. - 10moJaycee GreenePro MemberReal Estate Consultant · St. Louis MSA · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 726 votes
Quote from @Marie Alaghband:
Hi Jaycee, Thanks for the welcome!
I am thinking to start with a 2–4 unit multifamily property would be a great fit for me, ideally something where I could live in one of the units for a year and rent out the others. But this won't have much of tax benefit, right?I’m mostly looking for turnkey properties, but I’m also open to light rehab work (things like updating flooring, paint, or fixtures) just nothing major (like roof or foundation issues).
As for price range, I’m still exploring and staying flexible depending on the deal and location, but I’m focused on properties that make financial sense and allow for manageable financing and cash flow.
I’d prefer to start locally since being nearby would make management easier, but my situation may change in the next year or so, so I’m a bit hesitant to commit fully to one market. My local area is also pretty competitive, which makes finding even small cash-flowing deals a bit challenging.@Marie Alaghband That would be "house hacking" and yes, there are some tax benefits, but they only apply to the unit you're renting out while you're living there.
I don't know the Orlando market at all, but would this duplex be something of interest to you: 4711 Eggleston Ave, Orlando, FL 32804?
- 10moTodd AndersonPro MemberReal Estate Agent · Cape Coral, FL · Member since 2023 · 392 posts · 175 votes
Welcome to the BP Community. This type of forum is a great way to get feedback on some ideas.
I have worked with a number of new investors lately and have found one of the biggests challenges for them to start is putting all the pieces together. These investors knew what parts they needed but we're having trouble finding them and putting them together. This type of investor, and it sounds like you would be in this category, benefited form a more turnkey solution. With a turnkey purchase you have all the parts put together for you. All the investor needs to do is the due diligence and the decision.
I also recommend to this type of investor to consider new construction investing. There are less things to miss with a deal on a new property with a full warranty. There is another benefit to new construction in this market because the prices and incentives that builders are offering now can make a deal work in today's market.
Please feel free to reach out with specific questions. With the right team this is something you can do.
Best of luck.
- 10moTravis TimmonsPro MemberRental Property Investor · Ellsworth, ME · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
It's not analysis paralysis; it is your nervous system trying to protect you from making a reckless financial decision. It's cute for real estate service providers to treat the decision to buy a several hundred thousand dollar investment as if it is a casual thing and you should "take action." Fact is that it is really tough right now and the market will not bail you out of a bad investment like it may have a few years ago.
Life does not exist on a spreadsheet. And it's okay to not buy anything. It's better to have money sitting in a checking account than it is to sink it into a bad investment.
Are you open to owner occupied strategies like a live-in flip or 2-4 unit house hack? It is lower risk because you already have a housing expense, you will not talk yourself into a bad neighborhood bc it looks good on a spreadsheet since you actually have to live there, and you are open to lower down payment financing options.
Lastly - don't chase cashflow. Buy the property within your budget that you want to own the most 10 years from now. Leverage + price and rent appreciation is what delivers the returns to make real estate worth all the hassle.
- 10moNicholas L.Pro MemberFlipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
hello. first things first - i have nothing to sell, and i am not an agent or a lender or an anything. i am also not on the forums to cheerlead. i am not in the "go for it no matter what" camp. i think that makes zero sense. buying a property is a huge deal. not everyone should.
i don't know if you need a mentor. mostly what one needs to get started in investing is: money. if you don't have enough money for a down payment, reserves, etc. then there's no secret formula or mentor that can help you. you just need to save up more.
there's also no 'cash flow' right now in the first few years. none, zero, nada. to go back to my first point - anyone who pitches "cash flow" is trying to sell you something. it takes years just to pay yourself back for your closing costs. run the math on a purchase and you'll see.
with all that out of the way - folks on here are very happy to help with specific questions. including me. i'll answer any question you have.
- New to Real Estate · Orlando, FL · Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 7 votes10mo
Quote from @Nicholas L.:
hello. first things first - i have nothing to sell, and i am not an agent or a lender or an anything. i am also not on the forums to cheerlead. i am not in the "go for it no matter what" camp. i think that makes zero sense. buying a property is a huge deal. not everyone should.
i don't know if you need a mentor. mostly what one needs to get started in investing is: money. if you don't have enough money for a down payment, reserves, etc. then there's no secret formula or mentor that can help you. you just need to save up more.
there's also no 'cash flow' right now in the first few years. none, zero, nada. to go back to my first point - anyone who pitches "cash flow" is trying to sell you something. it takes years just to pay yourself back for your closing costs. run the math on a purchase and you'll see.
with all that out of the way - folks on here are very happy to help with specific questions. including me. i'll answer any question you have.
Thank you for such an honest and grounded response. You’re absolutely right that buying a property is a big deal, and I agree that not everyone should jump in just because “it’s the thing to do.” I also completely understand your point about cash flow. This was exactly one point of my confusion. The more I research and analyze deals, the more I realize how tough it is to find anything that truly cash flows right now, especially in my market.
I do have enough saved for a down payment and reserves, but I’m trying to be cautious and make sure I understand what I’m getting into before making such a big commitment. I really appreciate your offer to answer any questions I may have, that means a lot.
- 10moDenise SuppleeBusiness MemberRealtor · Willow Grove, PA · Member since 2017 · 962 posts · 636 votes
Hi @Marie Alaghband nice to meet you here on BP! In addition to networking with experienced investors, there are several practical ways to gain guidance without falling into “guru” traps. Local real estate investor associations (REIAs) often host workshops and mentorship programs.
You are more then welcome to sit in my club meetings as well while we vet deals, were more passive investing but it could help gain insight. There's a free membership if your interested.
Here are some podcasts I've enjoyed, BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast – Covers all levels of investors with interviews, case studies, and actionable advice, "BiggerPockets cash flow podcast as well as Real estate guys radio show. Also look into " The book on rental property investing" by brandon Turner, It covers everything from finding deals and analyzing cash flow to managing tenants and scaling a rental portfolio. It’s practical, easy to follow. I hope this helps🙂
Spark Rental Co-Investing Club576 Reviews- New to Real Estate · Orlando, FL · Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 7 votes10mo
Quote from @Denise Supplee:
Hi @Marie Alaghband nice to meet you here on BP! In addition to networking with experienced investors, there are several practical ways to gain guidance without falling into “guru” traps. Local real estate investor associations (REIAs) often host workshops and mentorship programs.
You are more then welcome to sit in my club meetings as well while we vet deals, were more passive investing but it could help gain insight. There's a free membership if your interested.
Here are some podcasts I've enjoyed, BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast – Covers all levels of investors with interviews, case studies, and actionable advice, "BiggerPockets cash flow podcast as well as Real estate guys radio show. Also look into " The book on rental property investing" by brandon Turner, It covers everything from finding deals and analyzing cash flow to managing tenants and scaling a rental portfolio. It’s practical, easy to follow. I hope this helps🙂
Thanks so much for sharing all those great resources! I’ve actually read The Book on Rental Property Investing and listened to several of those podcasts. They’ve been really helpful in building my foundation.
I’d love to join your group and sit in on some of your club meetings to learn more. That sounds like a great opportunity to gain insight from experienced investors. How can I sign up for the free membership?
- Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2020 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes10mo
@Nicholas L., how dare you say real estate investors need money?!?!? What they need is to get over their fear, and just buy something. If they don't have money, what you do is simply take out a loan at 100% LTV. it is easy. Any number of lenders will do that. They will roll their fee into the loan, too, so you truly need no money at all. And then you just sub-to that purchase with tax lien financing through a wholesaler and a hard money lender with seller financing, and magically, you own $400mm of real estate without ever having put out a dollar of your own money. it is super easy. Just pay me $50,000 and I will tell you the same thing I just posted.
@Marie Alaghband, sorry for my sarcastic breakdown above. I tend to agree with Nicholas. I tend to see two reasons people get stuck in analysis paralysis. 1. they don't have enough money, so making a wrong decision can be detrimental. 2. their goals and investment criteria are not "SMART": Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. Things like "good cash flow" or "rough C area" are not specific. So, set a cash flow metric, whether it be dollars or percentage of equity invested. Or "rough class C": think more in demographic (incomes, population counts, school ratings, etc) and crime data numbers. Set a threshold for how "low" you will go. Then when you find one that you can acquire based on your capital available that meets those realistic goals, you move on it knowing it hits all of your criteria and that you are not going to be destitute if it isn't a home run.
- 10moJ CastroBusiness MemberLender · Florida · Member since 2025 · 661 posts · 239 votes
Hey @Marie Alaghband, welcome to BP!
As a new investor looking for guidance, ideas and mentorship. I'd suggest attending your local REIA meetup groups, where you'll connect with other investors already in the business. This is where you'll find like-minded investors who'll be happy to share their experience, mentor and much more.
I understand your in Central Florida, these are some of your local REIA groups for reference...
- Central Florida Realty Investors Association (CFRI)
- Greater Orlando Real Estate Investors Association (GOREIA)
- Orlando Real Estate Investors Group
Meetup.com is incredibly useful for building a local networking group. I'd definitely recommend getting started there as well. The site has a great reach.If I can be of any help, please let me know.
Best of Luck!
- 10moBasit SiddiqiBusiness MemberAccountant · New York, NY · Member since 2015 · 8k+ posts · 3k+ votes
It appears that buying real estate is not something you or friends / family have experience with.
You should be more involved with people who do this regularly.
Join some real estate groups - both online and in person.
On social media platforms - follow real estate investors and join real estate groups of areas that you are interested in investing.
Attend some real estate networking events in person.
Talk to some real estate agents and view some properties over the weekends.
It will all start to feel normal and you will have the urge to then buy a property after a few weeks.
Best of luck!
Basit Siddiqi CPA4.979 Reviews - 10moGiuseppe PavonePro MemberSpecialist · Orlando, FL · Member since 2015 · 183 posts · 83 votes
@Marie Alaghband I was in a similar situation, kind of spinning my wheels wondering how I was going to break through, which is why I went ahead and purchased a HomeVestors franchise. Obviously it requires a significant investment but it provided the system and support I was looking for. Having said that I know many who have built a strong real estate investment business on their own, so the franchise route is not for everyone. But having a system already in place has worked well for me.
- New to Real Estate · Orlando, FL · Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 7 votes10moThanks for sharing that! I really appreciate you explaining your experience. I’ll take a look at HomeVestors and learn more about how it works. It’s great to hear that the system and support have been helpful for you.
Quote from @Giuseppe Pavone:
@Marie Alaghband I was in a similar situation, kind of spinning my wheels wondering how I was going to break through, which is why I went ahead and purchased a HomeVestors franchise. Obviously it requires a significant investment but it provided the system and support I was looking for. Having said that I know many who have built a strong real estate investment business on their own, so the franchise route is not for everyone. But having a system already in place has worked well for me.
- 10moGiuseppe PavonePro MemberSpecialist · Orlando, FL · Member since 2015 · 183 posts · 83 votes
Several of those items listed are business expenses that'll have to be accounted for regardless if you go the franchise route or not. Like I said it's not for everyone... and like many franchises regardless of industry, it'll be more expensive than starting up on your own. But for my particular situation it helped me get going in real estate.
- Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 16 votes10mo
You and I are in the same boat. I just posted today that ive seen mentor programs from 10k-20k. If I had that kind of money id have a foot in the door already. I have no capital or reserves. I have equity that im not ready to use. Thats it. Im in NJ. Feel free to keep in touch. Maybe we can learn together
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