New in Real estate Investing

Raleigh, North Carolina
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New in Real estate Investing

Dante Jones
Member since 2026 · 3 posts · 5 votes

Hello, I'm a new real estate investor trying to figure out where to start I know for me I'm interested in holding long term residential rentals for cash flow and eventually replacing my income. I would love any advice on where you would start if in my shoes! 

Also being new to biggerpockets I'd love to connect and share more about my goals and gain advice from experienced investors!

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Ashish AcharyaBusiness Member
CPA, CFP®, PFS · FL · Member since 2017 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
3mo

Hey Dante, welcome to BP and welcome to real estate investing! Long-term rentals for cash flow with the goal of replacing your income is one of the most proven paths in this space and you're starting with the right mindset.

One thing most newer investors don't think about early enough is the tax side, and honestly it's one of the biggest advantages long-term rentals offer that most people completely overlook. Beyond the cash flow, rental properties give you depreciation deductions that can offset your rental income and sometimes more depending on your overall tax picture. As your portfolio grows there are also strategies around passive loss rules, cost segregation, and entity structure that can significantly reduce your tax bill and free up more cash to reinvest into the next property faster.

I also agree with Brian, starting small with house hack is the best way to get your feet wet. This is a great way to learn about real estate investing and the tax benefits that also come with it. 

The investors who scale quickly aren't just finding good deals, they're keeping more of what they earn by having the right tax strategy in place from the beginning. Getting a CPA who specializes in real estate involved early, even before your first purchase, can make a meaningful difference in how fast you get to income replacement. Happy to connect!

[email protected]941-914-7779
INVESTOR FRIENDLY CPA®5241 Reviews
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  • Dani Montgomery
    Member since 2026 · 2 posts · 0 votes
    3mo

    Hello Dante! Also new to BiggerBooks and the real estate industry. Wishing you all the best on your journey!

    0Reply
  • G. Brian DavisPro Member
    Investor · Hatboro, PA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 854 votes
    3mo

    You're welcome. Start small and simple. A 2-4 unit house hack is one of the easiest ways to get experience, build cash flow, and learn landlord basics without overcomplicating things. Focus first on understanding true cash flow, managing tenants, and keeping expenses predictable. Once you’re comfortable with one property, scaling becomes a lot easier.

    0Reply
  • Dmitriy Fomichenko
    Solo 401k Expert · Anaheim Hills, CA · Member since 2012 · 18k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    3mo

    Welcome to the BP community, Dante! We're glad you joined us.

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

    Wishing you the best!

    0Reply
  • Ashish AcharyaBusiness Member
    CPA, CFP®, PFS · FL · Member since 2017 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    3mo

    Hey Dante, welcome to BP and welcome to real estate investing! Long-term rentals for cash flow with the goal of replacing your income is one of the most proven paths in this space and you're starting with the right mindset.

    One thing most newer investors don't think about early enough is the tax side, and honestly it's one of the biggest advantages long-term rentals offer that most people completely overlook. Beyond the cash flow, rental properties give you depreciation deductions that can offset your rental income and sometimes more depending on your overall tax picture. As your portfolio grows there are also strategies around passive loss rules, cost segregation, and entity structure that can significantly reduce your tax bill and free up more cash to reinvest into the next property faster.

    I also agree with Brian, starting small with house hack is the best way to get your feet wet. This is a great way to learn about real estate investing and the tax benefits that also come with it. 

    The investors who scale quickly aren't just finding good deals, they're keeping more of what they earn by having the right tax strategy in place from the beginning. Getting a CPA who specializes in real estate involved early, even before your first purchase, can make a meaningful difference in how fast you get to income replacement. Happy to connect!

    [email protected]941-914-7779
    INVESTOR FRIENDLY CPA®5241 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    TaxMD® | AI-Powered Tax Planning
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
    • Dante Jones
      OP
      Member since 2026 · 3 posts · 5 votes
      3mo
      Quote from @Ashish Acharya:

      Hey Dante, welcome to BP and welcome to real estate investing! Long-term rentals for cash flow with the goal of replacing your income is one of the most proven paths in this space and you're starting with the right mindset.

      One thing most newer investors don't think about early enough is the tax side, and honestly it's one of the biggest advantages long-term rentals offer that most people completely overlook. Beyond the cash flow, rental properties give you depreciation deductions that can offset your rental income and sometimes more depending on your overall tax picture. As your portfolio grows there are also strategies around passive loss rules, cost segregation, and entity structure that can significantly reduce your tax bill and free up more cash to reinvest into the next property faster.

      I also agree with Brian, starting small with house hack is the best way to get your feet wet. This is a great way to learn about real estate investing and the tax benefits that also come with it. 

      The investors who scale quickly aren't just finding good deals, they're keeping more of what they earn by having the right tax strategy in place from the beginning. Getting a CPA who specializes in real estate involved early, even before your first purchase, can make a meaningful difference in how fast you get to income replacement. Happy to connect!


       Thanks so much for the advice this is super helpful advice!

      0Reply
  • Samuel DioufBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus & Cleveland, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3mo

    Welcome to BP Dante! 

    I'd say house-hacking is one of the best ways to get into real estate investing. You’re able to learn the basics of a real estate investment with lower risk and build equity at the same time.

    Being able to purchase a property with only 5% down means you can leverage your money way more effectively. When you’re investing with leverage, I think it makes more sense to do it in a market that’s showing plenty of signs for growth.

    [email protected]614-662-1652
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    0Reply
  • Arman AhmedPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 924 votes
    3mo
    Quote from @Dante Jones:

    Hello, I'm a new real estate investor trying to figure out where to start I know for me I'm interested in holding long term residential rentals for cash flow and eventually replacing my income. I would love any advice on where you would start if in my shoes! 

    Also being new to biggerpockets I'd love to connect and share more about my goals and gain advice from experienced investors!


    If I were starting from scratch, intending to replace my income through rentals, I'd focus on learning how to analyze deals and building a clear buy box before worrying about scaling. A lot of new investors spend months chasing the "perfect" strategy when the real key is buying a solid first property that cash flows and teaches you the business. Since you're open to long-term rentals, don't be afraid to look beyond your backyard. Many investors are finding strong opportunities in Midwest markets where entry prices are lower and cash flow is often stronger than in higher-priced areas. Keep learning, keep networking, and focus on taking consistent action. Your first deal will teach you more than a hundred podcasts ever will.
    [email protected]614-418-6081
    0Reply
  • Wale LawalBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    3mo

    @Dante Jones

    Welcome!

    If I had never had any experience before and was looking to make money over a period of time, then my priority would be to learn about how to analyze a deal and buy one good property rather than try and create a portfolio from scratch. It is always better to start with a good first deal than an ideal one.

    Good luck!

    [email protected]832-776-9582Podcast Guest on Show #469
    NETWORTH BUILDERS5236 Reviews
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    0Reply
  • Roman Ripp
    Member since 2019 · 33 posts · 23 votes
    3mo

    I have spent 2 years researching before buying my first property but that was 2019, before some good tools and bp existed. Here are some tips I would give to 2019 me: 
    - Do not trust the numbers real estate agents or wholesalers give you, unless they are your mom. Do your own research. 
    - Manage your first property yourself, you will learn a lot and this will save you money in the long run. 
    - Constantly optimize. Keep an eye on rates, insurance, taxes, utilities. 
    - Go for quality over quantity. 100 bad doors is worse than 1 excellent. Less overhead, more profits. 

    Do you have a buy box in mind already? 

    0Reply
  • Lacey S.
    Durham, NC · Member since 2015 · 48 posts · 18 votes
    3mo

    Welcome Dante! I'm also a buy & hold investor in the area, my properites are in Durham. The suggestion to buy a 2+ unit home and live in one side is solid, however, I will say we do not have a lot of MFH housing stock in this area and much of it is pricy or in sub-prime areas so it depends a bit where you want to live. In many cases, a 2 unit here will cost you as much as two separate properties.

    Reach out if you want to talk investing in the triangle!

    0Reply
  • Erika Sullivan
    Real Estate Agent · Raleigh, NC · Member since 2026 · 5 posts · 1 vote
    1mo

    Welcome to BiggerPockets! I'm new here as well and recently started my career in real estate with Canvas Homes in North Carolina.

    A big part of my role is building relationships with investors and helping connect them with investment opportunities that fit their goals, so I've been learning a ton from the experienced people in this community.

    It sounds like you have a solid vision for where you want to go. Looking forward to following your journey, and I'd be happy to connect!

    0Reply
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