New to Investing

Memphis, Tennessee
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New to Investing

Candi Ledford
Member since 2026 · 3 posts · 5 votes

Hey guys. My name is Candi. I am actually from MS but live close to Memphis. I am really wanting to start investing. I don't have a lot of upfront money so was wondering the best ways to go about getting it and finding off market properties. TIA

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Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
1mo
Quote from @Candi Ledford:

Hey guys. My name is Candi. I am actually from MS but live close to Memphis. I am really wanting to start investing. I don't have a lot of upfront money so was wondering the best ways to go about getting it and finding off market properties. TIA

Welcome to BP, Candi! A lot of investors start without a huge amount of cash, so don't let that stop you. I'd focus first on learning how to analyze deals and getting pre-approved so you know what you can realistically buy. House hacking, partnering with someone who has capital, seller financing, or using private money can all be good ways to get started depending on your situation. For off-market deals, consistency is key—driving for dollars, networking with local investors, wholesalers, and attending REI meetups can all uncover opportunities that never hit the MLS. The biggest thing is to build your knowledge first so you're ready when the right deal comes along. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

[email protected]614-300-7535
Jimmy Lieu, Red 1 Realty4.9120 Reviews
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  • Janice Carter
    Real Estate Broker · Atlanta · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 604 votes
    1mo

    @Candi Ledford Welcome to the BP community. If you are just getting started with limited capital, I would recommend first joining your local REIA and networking with experienced investors. You will learn a lot about creative financing, wholesaling, partnerships and how to find off-market opportunities. Building relationships is often just as valuable as having cash when you are starting out.

    0Reply
  • Candi Ledford
    OP
    Member since 2026 · 3 posts · 5 votes
    1mo

    Thank you for the helpful information 

    0Reply
  • Hamp Lee IIIPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · San Antonio, TX · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 832 votes
    1mo

    Welcome to BP! There are great programs that can help you purchase a home with no money down or even $100 down.

    In addition to the advice Janice shared, continue to educate yourself, especially finding like-minded investors where you can partner with and encourage one another toward your goals. The right partnership can help you go a long way. 

    I wish you all the best.

    0Reply
  • Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    1mo
    Quote from @Candi Ledford:

    Hey guys. My name is Candi. I am actually from MS but live close to Memphis. I am really wanting to start investing. I don't have a lot of upfront money so was wondering the best ways to go about getting it and finding off market properties. TIA

    Welcome to BP, Candi! A lot of investors start without a huge amount of cash, so don't let that stop you. I'd focus first on learning how to analyze deals and getting pre-approved so you know what you can realistically buy. House hacking, partnering with someone who has capital, seller financing, or using private money can all be good ways to get started depending on your situation. For off-market deals, consistency is key—driving for dollars, networking with local investors, wholesalers, and attending REI meetups can all uncover opportunities that never hit the MLS. The biggest thing is to build your knowledge first so you're ready when the right deal comes along. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

    [email protected]614-300-7535
    Jimmy Lieu, Red 1 Realty4.9120 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • Candi Ledford
    OP
    Member since 2026 · 3 posts · 5 votes
    1mo

    Thank you so much 

    0Reply
  • Jordan RayBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Memphis, TN · Member since 2023 · 623 posts · 321 votes
    1mo
    Quote from @Candi Ledford:

    Hey guys. My name is Candi. I am actually from MS but live close to Memphis. I am really wanting to start investing. I don't have a lot of upfront money so was wondering the best ways to go about getting it and finding off market properties. TIA


    Welcome to BiggerPockets, Candi! Since you're already close to Memphis, you're in a great position to learn one of the better cash-flow markets in the country. If you don't have a lot of upfront capital, don't let that discourage you. I'd start by becoming an expert at analyzing ARVs, rents, rehab costs, market trends, and the overall layout of Memphis so you know exactly what you're buying when opportunities come along. If you're interested in the BRRRR strategy, one advantage here is that local hard money lenders can finance 100% of the purchase and 100% of the rehab, allowing many investors to complete deals with around $10,000 out of pocket before refinancing into long-term financing. As for finding off-market properties, they're great when you can get them, but don't overlook the MLS. Some of my best deals have been listed properties because the numbers still worked. I always tell new investors to focus on finding good deals, not just off-market deals. Most importantly, start building your boots-on-the-ground team now—an investor-friendly agent who also owns rentals, a solid property manager, a reliable general contractor, and the right hard money and DSCR lending contacts. Having that team in place before you buy will put you miles ahead and give you the confidence to move quickly when the right opportunity comes along. Feel free to reach out, talk soon!

    [email protected]662-642-1458
    Jordan Ray - eXp Realty5110 Reviews
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    0Reply
  • Steven GlickBusiness Member
    Lender · Buffalo · Member since 2024 · 115 posts · 33 votes
    1mo

    Welcome to BP, Candi. One thing I'd add get clear on how much cash you actually need. Even with hard money or seller financing you'll still need money for earnest money, inspections, closing costs, and reserves. Knowing that number upfront helps you focus on deals you can actually close.

    Memphis is a strong cash flow market. Build your knowledge first, and the financing becomes much easier to navigate.

    [email protected]315-631-0678
    Ziffy Mortgage
    WebsiteView Page
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  • Nicholas L.Pro Member
    Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    1mo

    @Candi Ledford

    hello.  contrarian opinion here (i guess?) but it takes money to invest.  so if you don't have any your options are limited.  house hacking is a good way to start.  if you're not well capitalized i'd strongly recommend not buying a rental.

    hope this helps

    0Reply
  • Mike Klarman
    Specialist · NJ · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 649 votes
    1mo

    I think you need an education first.  Understand the market you are targeting, understand how bridge loans work, make contacts with property finders: Agents, wholesalers, other investors.  Immerse yourself in the process without actually closing deals.  Because if you have a wide network of property finders, connections to tradesmen needed for rehab, great private and hard money lenders, and a sales team that can push product.  Then you'l have money thrown at your feet.

    Be valuable to the process.  That's with money or with knowledge and time.

    I think these podcasts and books paint too rosy of a picture of investing, especially investing as a beginner.

    There's so many ways to lose, and so few that secure winning.

    0Reply
  • Josh HandlerPro Member
    Contractor · Memphis, TN · Member since 2026 · 54 posts · 59 votes
    1mo

    Candi, welcome. One thing nobody's said yet: living near Memphis IS your capital right now. Half the people buying rentals here do it from 1,500 miles away and would pay real money for what you can do for free: drive the streets, walk houses, and learn which blocks actually perform. Pick two or three zips, learn what houses trade for and rent for on those streets until you can smell a mispriced one, and get to the local meetups (there's a regular investor coffee on Summer Ave every 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning, and the REIA meets monthly). That's where the partners and private money you're missing come from.

    One caution from the construction side: the cheap house is usually not the cheap deal. First-timers here get hurt buying a $60k house that needs a $50k gut. Before you commit to anything, get a real scope of work priced, not a guess. I run a construction company in Memphis and see the after-closing surprises every week, and they're all avoidable with a $0 walkthrough before the offer.

    901-239-3970
    0Reply
  • Arman AhmedPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 905 votes
    1mo
    Quote from @Candi Ledford:

    Hey guys. My name is Candi. I am actually from MS but live close to Memphis. I am really wanting to start investing. I don't have a lot of upfront money so was wondering the best ways to go about getting it and finding off market properties. TIA


    Welcome, Candi! The best place to start is learning how to analyze deals and building relationships before you have a lot of capital. Many investors get started through house hacking, partnerships, creative financing, or finding deals for others while building their network. Don’t feel limited to your local market either; the Midwest market can offer more affordable entry points and strong cash flow opportunities. Focus on learning the numbers, connecting with investors, and building your team early.
    [email protected]614-418-6081
    0Reply
  • Dmitriy Fomichenko
    Solo 401k Expert · Anaheim Hills, CA · Member since 2012 · 18k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    1mo

    Hello Candi! Welcome aboard!

    Read Beginner’s Guide to help you get started: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing

    I hope BP helps you achieve your goals!

    0Reply
  • Wale LawalBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    1mo

    @Candi Ledford

    Welcome to BP! In case you are short of money, I would recommend that you try establishing some connections with local investors, wholesalers, and investor-friendly lenders as well as continue saving money because all good deals will come to you via people rather than being advertised on the Web. Buy the correct property instead of buying fast.

    Good luck!

    [email protected]832-776-9582Podcast Guest on Show #469
    NETWORTH BUILDERS5236 Reviews
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  • Emanuele Mayer
    Lender · Member since 2022 · 72 posts · 19 votes
    1mo

    Hi Candi, welcome! It’s great to see you getting started in real estate investing. Don’t let the lack of upfront capital stop you—focus on learning your market, building relationships, and networking with other investors. For off-market deals, connecting with wholesalers and local investors can be a great place to start. Best of luck!

    0Reply
  • James WachobBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Memphis, TN · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 887 votes
    1mo

    Hi @Candi Ledford! Welcome! Being close to Memphis is a great advantage because you have access to a market with a strong investor community and plenty of opportunities to learn from others who are actively doing deals.

    If you're working with limited capital, I'd focus first on building your knowledge, networking, and learning how to analyze deals. Many investors start by using conventional financing, partnerships, private money, or strategies like BRRRR once they have the right team in place. For off-market deals, networking with local agents, wholesalers, investors, and attending local REIA meetings can be much more effective than relying on online listings alone.

    I'm a real estate agent based in Memphis and work with both local and out-of-state investors building rental portfolios. Memphis continues to attract investors because of its affordability and strong rental demand, and having someone local on your team can make a big difference when evaluating opportunities.

    Keep learning and building relationships. The right deal usually follows a strong network. If you ever want to learn more about investing in the Memphis market or need help getting started, I'd be happy to connect and help however I can.

    0Reply
  • Jorene T.
    New to Real Estate · NY · Member since 2019 · 20 posts · 4 votes
    1mo

    Hello! Happy to share more about our single family home that’s in Memphis that we’re selling! 

    0Reply
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