If you’re not that familiar with real estate investing, breaking into the industry can be overwhelming. It often takes several years for investors to feel at ease and confident in this field. That’s why beginning with safe strategies is a smart approach. These strategies are suitable for individuals with little to no experience, and when managed correctly, they can be highly profitable.
Beginners’ Steps To Real Estate Investing
Starting with a beginner-friendly investing niche will allow you to learn the ropes before venturing into more complex investments. By starting with an accessible strategy, you can familiarize yourself with the local market, build a network, and master the art of raising capital without committing to deals they may not be ready to handle.
As you gain experience and profits, you can gradually look into more advanced strategies down the road. So, let’s start with Investing 101 of the real estate market.
Property Wholesaling
Wholesaling in real estate is a fast and accessible way for beginners to enter the market. This strategy involves securing properties below market value and assigning the contract to an end buyer, earning a fee in the process. Remember, it’s different from being a real estate agent. Agents don’t buy properties, they simply mediate the buying process.
As a wholesaler, you focus on building a strong buyers list, composed of interested investors identified through lead generation campaigns via email, social media, or direct mail. The beauty of wholesaling lies in its low capital requirement. This enables you to establish a dependable network and gain valuable market insights. However, to adopt this strategy, you need to have substantial capital, as properties are not cheap.
Prehabbing
Prehabbing is an excellent option for novice real estate investors, involving minimal upgrades to enhance a property’s visual appeal without extensive renovations. Instead of major changes, prehabbing focuses on improving the property through sweat equity. This may include cleaning to remove debris and enhancing curb appeal through affordable painting and landscaping.
However, it’s essential to choose properties with structural integrity and easy cleanup potential, avoiding those requiring costly repairs. Location plays a vital role in finding suitable prehab houses, so thorough market research is crucial. Prehabbing offers a low-risk investment with minimal effort compared to other options.
REIT Investing
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) offer an ideal starting point for newcomers to real estate investing. These investment vehicles, particularly Equity REITs, function as companies that own income-generating real estate. You, the investor, can buy shares in these companies and generate income through regular dividends.
REITs often provide above-average dividends, similar to investing in stocks. To begin with, research publicly-traded REITs, and assess their performance, anticipated growth, current dividends and funds from operations (FFO). Seeking advice from a financial advisor when choosing an REIT to invest in can be beneficial.
REITs not only offer diversification for existing portfolios, but also serve as a gateway into the real estate industry. While REIT performance may be influenced by various factors, they are renowned for offering solid returns with relatively low risk.
Online Platforms
Online real estate platforms, also known as real estate crowdfunding platforms, serve as a bridge between borrowers and investors. Developers seeking financing for their deals and projects post their opportunities on these platforms. This allows investors to participate through debt or equity investments.
This setup creates a win-win situation where investors can reap the benefits of real estate investing without the complexities of ownership or management. Meanwhile, developers secure the necessary financing for their projects.
Investors can enjoy regular distributions and opt for standalone projects or diversified portfolios across different geographical locations. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that some downsides may include illiquidity of funds with lockup periods and platform membership fees. While choosing to work with a developer, you should do a proper background check before you invest.
Rental Properties/House Hacking
Investing in rental properties offers an excellent opportunity to secure a stable monthly income, making you a potential landlord. By making smart purchases in the right market and at the opportune time, your rental income might cover mortgage, maintenance, and repair expenses, leaving you with extra profit.
The beauty of owning rental properties is the flexibility to choose between active or passive involvement in managing them. Landlords who prefer a hands-off approach can hire property managers, while others may handle maintenance and repairs themselves to optimize income and reduce costs.
House hacking is also a viable strategy to consider, where you occupy a portion of the property and rent out the rest or invest in multi-unit properties, qualifying for residential loans while generating rental income. Once again, like wholesale, you need a large sum of initial investment.
Syndication
Real estate syndication involves a partnership among real estate investors with an objective of identifying and acquiring properties. The syndication structure typically divides responsibilities between a sponsor and other investors. The sponsor takes charge of seeking potential investments, securing contracts, and managing the property, contributing skills and time rather than capital.
On the other hand, investors in the syndication deal provide funds for the property acquisition and cover additional costs for renovations or repairs. They play a more passive role, earning returns over time through regular payments, usually on a monthly or quarterly basis.
House Flipping
House flipping involves identifying properties being sold below market value and in need of renovations. After rehabilitation, it is resold at a profit. While the allure of house flipping may be strong, investors should exercise caution and thoroughly analyze the financial aspects.
Overspending on the renovation budget can lead to little or no profit, and unfavorable market conditions may result in difficulties selling the house. For novice house flippers, it’s wise to consider partnering with an experienced investor to navigate the complexities of the venture.
Real Estate Investment Groups (REIG)
Real Estate Investment Groups (REIGs) are businesses that specialize in real estate investments, pooling investor funds to acquire multi-unit housing and commercial properties. They may also engage in property renovation and selling for profit. Unlike Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), REIGs offer more flexibility in their business structure.
REIGs are especially appealing to investors seeking real estate market returns without the burden of property management responsibilities. This flexibility and convenience make them an attractive option for those looking to participate in real estate investment ventures.
Conclusion
Real estate has consistently proven to be a highly lucrative investment option over time. However, understanding the ins and outs of real estate investment can be a significant obstacle for many aspiring investors. The good news is that learning how to invest in real estate is within reach for anyone willing to dedicate time and effort to educate themselves.
To make real estate accessible to beginners, we have crafted this comprehensive guide. Regardless of your current knowledge level, there’s no need to consider real estate off-limits. Take the time to explore real estate investing for beginners and discover the strategy that aligns best with your goals and interests.
