Beginning Our Real Estate Journey

Member since 2026 · 1 post · 10 votes

Hello! My husband and I are located in the Charlotte, NC area and we are looking at starting our real estate journey. I am a stay-at-home mom of two small kiddos with a background in marketing and my husband has a W-2. We're really starting from the ground up here so looking for any and all resources and tips!

Here is the broad vision:

- Purchase a short term rental in WNC or Greenville, SC area that will either be ready to go or relatively low-lift flip

- Purchase land to build on ourselves to build out a small family homestead with a short term rental option on property

- Convert our current home (new build in a neighborhood) into a long-term rental

- Purchase additional short term rental options in the Carolinas

Obviously this is all starting with a dream! Excited to get the ball rolling and learn along the way

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Allie McAlister

Memphis, TN · Member since 2024 · 180 posts · 223 votes

3mo

Hi Audrey,

Welcome to Bigger Pockets! My team and I focus on the Memphis TN market, but we've had quite a few investors come to us after investing in Greenville. Is that your target market?

Best of luck!

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Jules Aton
MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
3mo
Hi and welcome! Which one makes the most sense to start with based on your financial situation and goals? Narrow your focus to expand and likely pivot as things unfold.
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Christopher Brock
Investor · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2017 · 25 posts · 10 votes
3mo
Audrey, my wife and I are also in Charlotte, and are executing similar strategies now. Would be happy to connect, or offer a set of ears, as you guys need them. Sometimes it's nice to have someone slightly disinterested to chat through things, so I'm happy to play that role as you need it!
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Arman AhmedPro Member
Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 961 votes
3mo
Quote from @Audrey Hill:

Hello! My husband and I are located in the Charlotte, NC area and we are looking at starting our real estate journey. I am a stay-at-home mom of two small kiddos with a background in marketing and my husband has a W-2. We're really starting from the ground up here so looking for any and all resources and tips!

Here is the broad vision:

- Purchase a short term rental in WNC or Greenville, SC area that will either be ready to go or relatively low-lift flip

- Purchase land to build on ourselves to build out a small family homestead with a short term rental option on property

- Convert our current home (new build in a neighborhood) into a long-term rental

- Purchase additional short term rental options in the Carolinas

Obviously this is all starting with a dream! Excited to get the ball rolling and learn along the way

That’s a solid vision, and honestly you’re thinking about it the right way by mapping out multiple paths instead of trying to do everything at once. I’d start with the cleanest first move and keep an open mind on location too, because a lot of new investors find it easier to start out of state in Midwest markets where entry prices are lower, and the numbers often work better for STRs, rentals, and value-add plays. The biggest thing is just getting one good deal under your belt and building from there.
[email protected]614-418-6081
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Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
3mo
Quote from @Audrey Hill:

Hello! My husband and I are located in the Charlotte, NC area and we are looking at starting our real estate journey. I am a stay-at-home mom of two small kiddos with a background in marketing and my husband has a W-2. We're really starting from the ground up here so looking for any and all resources and tips!

Here is the broad vision:

- Purchase a short term rental in WNC or Greenville, SC area that will either be ready to go or relatively low-lift flip

- Purchase land to build on ourselves to build out a small family homestead with a short term rental option on property

- Convert our current home (new build in a neighborhood) into a long-term rental

- Purchase additional short term rental options in the Carolinas

Obviously this is all starting with a dream! Excited to get the ball rolling and learn along the way
Glad you found this forum! I actually think your vision flows really well because each step can help fund the next instead of trying to do everything at once. If it were me, I'd focus on getting one property performing really well before buying land or adding multiple short-term rentals. That first deal will teach you financing, operations, taxes, and guest management without spreading yourselves too thin. Since your husband has W-2 income and you have a marketing background, that's a great combination for qualifying for loans and creating a strong listing. I'd also run the numbers as if your STR only performed like a long-term rental, so if travel slows down you're still in a good spot. As for your current home, converting it to a rental later can be a great way to keep a low-interest mortgage while building your portfolio. If you ever decide to expand beyond the Carolinas, I'd also take a look at some Midwest markets like Columbus, Ohio. I've been investing there since moving from Portland in 2020, and I like that you can still find cash-flowing properties at reasonable price points while benefiting from steady population and job growth. Sounds like you have a solid long-term plan already—now it's just about taking that first step. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!
[email protected]614-300-7535
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Allie McAlister
Memphis, TN · Member since 2024 · 180 posts · 223 votes
3mo
Hi Audrey,
Welcome to Bigger Pockets! My team and I focus on the Memphis TN market, but we've had quite a few investors come to us after investing in Greenville. Is that your target market?
Best of luck!
1 Reply
Jonathan Greer
Real Estate Consultant · San Francisco, CA. · Member since 2026 · 59 posts · 16 votes
3mo
Welcome to BP!
It sounds like you've put a lot of thought into your long-term vision, and I like that you're building it one step at a time. Having a clear plan from the beginning can make a big difference as opportunities come up.

One suggestion would be to stay flexible as you evaluate each property. Sometimes the strategy that looks best on paper changes once you dig into the numbers, local demand, and rental options.

Wishing you both the best as you get started! I'd be happy to connect and exchange ideas as you grow your portfolio.
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John UnderwoodPro Member
Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
3mo
Be aware that STR'S in the Greenville city limits are illegal. There are great areas outside this area where STR'S are allowed.
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James WachobBusiness Member
Real Estate Broker · Memphis, TN · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 891 votes
3mo
Hi @Audrey Hill! Welcome! I like that you have a long-term vision while recognizing it all starts with the first deal. Having clear goals makes it much easier to decide what opportunities to pursue and which ones to pass on.

Since you're just getting started, I'd recommend focusing on one strategy first and building from there. Whether that's a short-term rental or your future long-term rental, getting one successful property under your belt will give you the confidence and experience to tackle the next phase of your plan. Be sure to spend time analyzing deals, understanding financing options, and researching local regulations, especially for STRs, as those rules can vary significantly by market.

I'm a real estate agent based in Memphis and work with out-of-state investors building rental portfolios. While I primarily work with long-term rental investors, I've seen how important it is to build a strong local team, regardless of your strategy. Having the right agent, lender, contractor, and property manager can make a huge difference as you scale.

Best of luck to you and your husband as you get started! It sounds like you're approaching this thoughtfully, and that's a great foundation. If you ever decide to explore long-term rental opportunities or want to learn more about investing in Memphis, I'd be happy to connect and help however I can.
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Ashley RigsbeePro Member
Customer Success & Onboarding Specialist at BiggerPockets · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2023 · 120 posts · 46 votes
2mo
Hi Audrey, welcome to BP I'm in Charlotte too and love that your plan starts by house hacking your current home into a rental while you test STRs in WNC/Greenville. I've been told STR rules vary a lot from town to town there, so it's worth digging into before you commit to a specific area. Would love to hear updates on how it goes, especially with the homesteading! I've been wanting to learn more about homesteading lately, so definitely let us know if you have a YouTube channel I'd love to follow along!
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Caroline Borba Remor
Property Manager · Upstate, SC · Member since 2025 · 2 posts · 0 votes
1mo
Hi Audrey, lets connect and I'll be glad to help you on any questions you have. All my investments are in the Greenville, SC area and I know the location very well. Looking forward to it!
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Brad SeidBusiness Member
Lender · Licensed in 28 States · Member since 2026 · 187 posts · 58 votes
1mo
@Audrey Hill Welcome! That’s a great vision, and getting the financing strategy right early can make a big difference as you build toward it. I’d be happy to connect and go over lending options for STRs, land, construction, or converting your current home into a rental. Feel free to reach out!
[email protected]248-408-3855
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Diana KhanPro Member
Attorney · 10451 Mill Run Cir #755 Owings Mills, MD 21117 · Member since 2024 · 631 posts · 216 votes
2w
Quote from @Audrey Hill:
Hello! My husband and I are located in the Charlotte, NC area and we are looking at starting our real estate journey. I am a stay-at-home mom of two small kiddos with a background in marketing and my husband has a W-2. We're really starting from the ground up here so looking for any and all resources and tips!

Here is the broad vision:

- Purchase a short term rental in WNC or Greenville, SC area that will either be ready to go or relatively low-lift flip

- Purchase land to build on ourselves to build out a small family homestead with a short term rental option on property

- Convert our current home (new build in a neighborhood) into a long-term rental

- Purchase additional short term rental options in the Carolinas

Obviously this is all starting with a dream! Excited to get the ball rolling and learn along the way
@Audrey Hill, I actually like that you’ve written out the bigger vision, even if it changes along the way. One thing I’d add is to think about how each property fits into the plan legally as you move from your current home, to rentals, to eventually buying land and building. Those are very different types of ownership and use, so I wouldn’t assume that what works for one will automatically make sense for the next.
I’ve worked with investors who started with one property and then added rentals, different ownership structures, or other projects over time. Questions around title, leases, contracts, ownership, and property restrictions become more important as the plan grows. It’s usually much easier to think about those things before the next purchase than to reorganize everything later.
I like that you and your husband are thinking beyond just the first deal, @Audrey Hill. I’m a real estate attorney and investor in Maryland, so helping investors think through the legal side of building and protecting what they own is a big part of my work. Happy to stay connected as your plan starts taking shape.
[email protected]240-266-0291
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