How do you learn real estate investment?

Question

Hello,

For some context my name is Rohan Talagadadeevi and I’m 22 years old looking to learn about real estate investment.  I have a decent amount of prior knowledge when it comes to investments, but I am interested in learning about real estate and have no idea where to begin.  I work in tech and help run a company in the tech sector as well, so I understand a decent bit of business principles, but I am under educated in real estate.

Who do I talk to? What do I read? How do I get started?  Any advice would be appreciated and I’m happy to connect with anyone!  Thanks!

Ken M. · Answer

There are really only a couple of ways to learn real estate.

1. Trial and error. Expensive, frustrating but a fun challenge.

2. Work for a company for a couple of years You get to see things for what they really are without taking on the risk.

3. Get trained. Unless you learned to drive your car without instruction, it's a smart approach to be trained.

Learning to drive on your own can be forgiving if you are in a 180 acre corn field but a disaster is you're in town. There is so much to learn and frankly, you won't know what to focus on. Investing is forever changing.

Arman Ahmed · Answer

Welcome, Rohan! Since you already have a business and investing background, I’d focus less on trying to learn everything at once and more on understanding one strategy, running real deals, and learning the numbers. You don’t have to invest in your own backyard either. The Midwest can be a good place to start looking at out-of-state opportunities if you have the right local team. I’d be happy to share what I’ve learned investing in Ohio and some of the things I’d look for when evaluating a deal.

Gregory Acs · Answer

Welcome to BiggerPockets! You're already ahead of a lot of people by asking questions before jumping into a deal. I'd start by learning the fundamentals of analyzing properties, understanding financing options, and deciding which strategy fits your goals, whether that's house hacking, long-term rentals, BRRRRs, or something else. Once you understand the basics, analyze as many deals as you can, even if you don't plan to buy right away.

I'd also recommend building relationships with experienced investors, an investor-friendly Realtor, and a lender early on. Those conversations can help you avoid common mistakes and give you confidence when you're ready to make your first purchase. If you'd like to talk through financing options or discuss what a good first investment might look like based on your goals, I'd be happy to help.

Aiden Avtgis · Answer

Hi Rohan! Your experience in investments is a great starting point to understand the risk and reward. I'd recommend learning real estate from all angles before jumping into your first deal.

Focus on understanding how to calculate cash flow with realistic expenses, financing, vacancy, repairs, and property management. You can play around with a DSCR calculator or cash flow calculator to get a better understanding of what expenses to consider when shopping for a property. Also, research the state and local landlord-tenant laws in the markets you're considering. A quick google search should help you with finding areas with the most landlord friendly laws. Making sure the area fits your long-term investment strategy is just as important as finding the right property.

Spend time learning about financing, taxes, entity structure, asset protection, and how to structure your investments to protect yourself and build a long-term portfolio. Discuss financing options with a lender that specializes in business purpose loans and learn ways to protect your own DTI and personal assets.

Look around you for successful investors, property managers, and other real estate professionals. You can learn so much by a quick phone call or coffee with someone that has been in this business for awhile.  And remember, sometimes we learn the most from doing it wrong once or twice... haha! Just try to keep those lessons affordable!

Caleb Brown · Answer

I've learned from books, YT, networking and then having first hand experience. I'd start with online and books. Attend meetups and meet people locally. From there do your first house hack

Divin Kanyama · Answer

Great place to start, @Rohan Talagadadeevi . Since you already understand business and investing, I’d focus first on learning how real estate deals are analyzed: cash flow, financing, expenses, risk, and exit strategy.

I’d start by reading beginner real estate investing books, listening to a few solid podcasts, and connecting with local investors, agents, lenders, property managers, and CPAs who work with investors. Pick one strategy first—house hacking, long-term rentals, or small multifamily—and learn that well before trying to do everything.

No need to rush into a deal. Build your knowledge and network first, and the right opportunities will be easier to recognize. Wishing you all the best on this journey!