Are you looking for a way to make money? You must be! After all, we are all searching for options to make money in the short and long term alike. Then, how about real estate investing? Are real estate investments something you have considered? If not, that should change immediately. Real estate investing is among the top ways to make money in the US nowadays. So, let’s take a look together at how to invest in real estate if you are a beginner real estate investor in the US housing market.
How to Invest in Real Estate: Get Your Finances Right
Generally speaking, you need money – at least some amount – to make money. To start a real estate investing business, you first should figure out how much money you have and how much money you will be able to afford to spend on monthly basis on your investment property. This is not to say that you should buy your first investment property fully in cash, but you will need at least some money for a down payment to the bank. If you miss this important step, you run the risk of failing in the real estate investing business before even starting out properly.
How to Invest in Real Estate: Figure Out Your Financing Options
Related to the point above, in order to learn how to invest in real estate, it is crucially important to choose wisely how to finance the purchase of your first investment property. You have two basic financing options: cash or mortgage. As a beginner real estate investor in the US housing market, you should really aim to take a mortgage loan from the bank to make your real estate investing business a viable option. Keep in mind that you are usually required to make a 20% down payment on an investment property. If you don’t have this kind of money, you should reconsider your expenditures to try to save up as much as possible in the coming months. Furthermore, it is always recommended to start out small in the real estate investing business as real estate investments are largely learning by doing, which means that the down payment on your first investment property should not be too high.
How to Invest in Real Estate: Set Your Real Estate Investment Goals
Another important step for a beginner real estate investor is to set out your investment goals and stick to them. Let’s say your main goal is to grow your real estate investment portfolio as big and diverse as possible. That’s a great investment goal. Actually, most real estate experts recommend that you add a new investment property to your investment portfolio every 2 to 3 years. It might sound like a lot, but it only gets easier as you keep going. Remember? Real estate investing is learning by doing.
How to Invest in Real Estate: Learn a Lot
There is no degree in real estate investing (at least not in most major colleges and universities). Nevertheless, education is of crucial importance in the world of real estate investing. Your real estate investments will only get better as you accumulate more and more real estate knowledge. Learn all about the different types of investment properties (traditional versus Airbnb rentals, condos, single family homes vs. multi family homes, etc.), the various investment strategies (buy and hold real estate, real estate wholesaling, rental properties, fix-and-flip, etc.), return on investment (rental income, cash flow, cap rate, cash on cash return, etc.), and the best real estate location and the top US housing market. Use various real estate investing resources such as books, newspapers, real estate websites, blogs, real estate experts, and anything else you come across.
How to Invest in Real Estate: Build a Real Estate Investment Network
In order to be a successful real estate investor in the US housing market, you will need the right real estate investment network. Make sure you meet lots of real estate experts such as property buyers, property sellers, real estate investors, real estate agents and brokers, real estate developers, real estate lawyers, bankers, lenders, and others. Don’t just meet these people, but make sure to leave a positive impression on them and to keep in touch. Your real estate investment network will prove of invaluable importance once you start conducting real estate transactions, regardless of their nature.
Related: How to Build and Maintain a Real Estate Investment Network
How to Invest in Real Estate: Choose the Top Location and the Best Investment Property
Location is key in the world of real estate investing. After all, you want your investment property to be located in a place with good tenants, strong rental demand, high renl rates, and preferably low property prices. There is a major difference between investing in an urban or rural location, investing in a major city or a college town, investing in Boston or San Francisco. Make sure to choose the best location for your own particular real estate investment strategy and then choose the best investment property there. But how do you assure to have the best location and the best property as a real estate investor in the US housing market? Keep reading.
Related: What Is Location in Real Estate Investing?
How to Invest in Real Estate: Conduct Real Estate Market Analysis and Investment Property Analysis
One of the first things you will need to learn how to do as a beginner real estate investor is to conduct real estate market analysis and investment property analysis. Such skills are crucial to make sure that you are investing in the right location and that you will be able to generate positive cash flow. The last thing any real estate wants is to lose money rather than make money from his/her real estate investments. Thus, before you buy your first investment property, you should analyze your particular situation carefully and assure that the expected rental income will be more than enough to cover the cash expenses and leave you with positive cash flow each and every month.
Related: Why Is Real Estate Market Analysis So Important?
How to Invest in Real Estate: Use Mashvisor
The final step you need to learn in the process of how to invest in real estate is to take the maximum advantage of the real estate investing tools and services offered by Mashvisor. Use the property finder, the investment property calculator, the real estate analytics, and all other features to choose the best investment properties across the US and become a successful real estate investor. The investment property calculator will help you find the best real estate investments with positive cash flow and strong cash on cash return.
Related: California Is Emerging as the Best Place to Invest in Real Estate in the Coming Years
Wondering how to invest in real estate to become a successful real estate investor in the US housing market and make money all the time? Read our real estate investing tips above. Start out small, and always choose the best investment properties to grow your real estate investment portfolio carefully and diligently.