Welcome to investing, Bronson! It can definitely feel overwhelming at first, but taking that first step is huge.
As a starting point, I always recommend deciding which strategy fits your current goals and capital best, whether that’s wholesaling to build up cash flow, fix & flipping, or buying rental properties for long-term growth. What type of real estate investing are you leaning toward starting out with?
Specialist · I give advice - [email protected] - I focus on states where investing is profitable, reasonably safe & secure · Member since 2026 · 171 posts · 62 votes
I am new to this world of investing and I am looking for guidance on where to start.
Well, there are a variety of questions you need to work through first. Such as, what's your goal of investing, do you want to invest in houses or apartments or storage or RV parks or land and so on.
Then you need to decide on fix & flip, wholesaling, Sort Term rental, Long Term rental, etc
You need to think about your cash position - are you using cash, or banks or creative finance or joint ventures or 401(k) or what
Sometimes it's best to have a phone call with someone experienced who can help you sort all of that out first.
Hello Bronson, House hacking can be a great way to get into the world of investing. Usually starting out in a single family home and you rent out a room to a friend or family member. Or you can buy a duplex/triplex/4plex. All of those type of properties can be purchased using a FHA 3.5% down payment option. (If a single unit home you can get in with 3% as the minimum requirement if it's your first time buying a home).
If you are interested in investment only properties where you do not occupy the property at all, then down payment requirements increase up to 15% as a minimum.
Welcome, @Bronson McDonaldA good place to start is by choosing one strategy and market, learning how to analyze deals, and getting clear on your budget, financing, and risk tolerance. Spend time studying real listings, rents, expenses, and recent sales before making offers, and connect with local investors, lenders, agents, and contractors who know the area. The goal at first is not to move fast—it is to build enough knowledge and a reliable team to recognize a solid opportunity when it appears.
I am new to this world of investing and I am looking for guidance on where to start.
@Bronson McDonald, you've gotten some good advice here about figuring out your goals and the type of investing you want to pursue. I'd add one thing to that. As you're learning how to find and evaluate properties, spend some time understanding what actually happens during a real estate transaction. Things like reviewing a purchase agreement, checking the title, understanding deadlines, and knowing what you're responsible for before and after closing are all worth learning early.
I'm a real estate attorney, broker, and investor in Maryland, and I've worked with people who were excited about buying their first investment property but didn't realize how many decisions come up between making an offer and actually owning the property. I've found that understanding those steps beforehand can make the process a lot less confusing.
It's good that you're asking for guidance before jumping into anything, @Bronson McDonald. A lot of my work involves helping investors understand the legal side of their properties, so I always enjoy seeing people take the time to learn. Happy to stay connected as you figure out your next steps.
Great to meet you, Bronson. A simple starting point is to write down your budget, your timeline, and how hands on you want to be, because that narrows the strategy fast. If you’re open to it, house hacking a small multifamily is a great low down payment way to learn.
I am new to this world of investing and I am looking for guidance on where to start.
Welcome! I’d start by learning how to analyze rental deals and understand the real expenses before buying. Look at actual properties, run the numbers, and build relationships with a lender, property manager, and contractor. Don’t limit yourself to Tulsa either. Midwest markets can offer lower entry prices and some solid cash flow opportunities worth comparing.
@Bronson McDonald Welcome! Best place to start is picking one strategy that fits your money and time, whether that's a house hack, a rental, or a BRRRR, then learning the numbers on it cold. Rich Dad Poor Dad and The Millionaire Real Estate Investor are great first reads. BP is a huge resource, so dive in. Best of luck!