The thing that holds most beginners back is much simpler:They don’t have a clear plan for the first 90 days.I’ve seen so many new investors jump from podcasts to YouTube to forums, soaking up information but never building an actual roadmap.And without a plan, everything feels overwhelming — markets, terms, lenders, strategy choices… all of it.You don’t need a perfect strategy to start.You just need a simple direction:Pick one strategy to learn (BRRRR, STR, house hack, etc.)Pick one market to study deeplyPick one daily or weekly habit you’ll stick to (analyzing deals, networking, saving, whatever moves you forward)Clarity beats intensity every time.The investors who succeed aren’t the ones who know the most — they’re the ones who stay consistent long enough to make their first move.If you’re overwhelmed, simplify.Start with the next 90 days, not the next 10 years.For those who are just getting started — what’s the one thing you’re focusing on first?

I found that listening to RE  podcasts daily and real estate related books helped this.

I talk to investors daily, and the biggest obstacles I’m hearing are:Appraisal delaysHigher down paymentsComp-heavy marketsStacked offers requiring fast closesWhat about you?

Quote from @Nick Copland: I get asked almost daily: “Nick, do you think my city works for midterm rentals?

It would be good to have someone familiar with SDIRA's and prohibited transactions.  

Has all powers necessary to complete transaction for father. 

I run deal analysis daily for investors here.Curious what others think — buy or pass?

You can use an assignment, or you can double-close using transactional funding. 

Next step: pick one submarket, define your deal box, analyze a few deals daily, and write consistent offers that fit it.

In Austin, there are a few channels that consistently produce off-market opportunities, whether you're targeting entry-level flips in 78745 or mid- to high-end areas like Jester, Westlake, or Barton Creek West.Some of the main sources I see working right now:• Driving for dollars in long-term ownership pockets• Pre-foreclosure + delinquent tax leads• Probate/inherited properties• Networking with local investors + RE agents• Builders offloading lots or heavy fixers quietly• Wholesalers who specialize in distressed or dated SFRs• Tracking aging or deferred-maintenance homesI’m in the Austin market daily and the deal flow has been all over the board lately — everything from heavy value-add homes to infill lots to luxury fixers.Curious what type of project you're aiming for — entry-level flip, mid-range, or something bigger?